Car Accident Steps Checklist

Guides you through what to do at the scene and in the days after a road accident, including insurance and Road Accident Fund steps.

What you will need

Is anyone injured? (text): Yes, No or Not sure.
Do you have the other driver's details? (text): Name, ID, phone, address, registration, insurer.
Is your vehicle insured? (text): Yes or No.
Date of the accident (date): Used for time-limit reminders.

How it works

If injuries = Yes or Not sure: first step 'Call an ambulance on 10177 or 112 from a mobile, and SAPS on 10111 if needed.' At the scene: stop, switch on hazards, make the scene safe, do not admit fault or sign anything, exchange details, take photos of vehicles, plates, road, damage and injuries, get witness names. After: report to SAPS (usually within 24 hours if police did not attend; confirm) and get an accident report number; notify insurer as soon as possible (check your policy's time limit); see a doctor and keep records. If injured and the other driver was at fault or partly at fault: note that a Road Accident Fund claim may be possible; RAF claims can be lodged directly without an attorney; show time-limit reminder: generally 3 years from the accident where the driver is identified, and a shorter period, generally 2 years, for hit-and-run cases where the driver is not identified (confirm with the RAF). raf_deadline = accident_date + 3 years (identified) or + 2 years (unidentified).

What you get

Steps now
Steps in the next days
Approximate RAF lodgement deadline

What it means

Health comes first; keep all medical records, as they matter for any claim.
You may need to claim from the other driver or their insurer directly; get advice before agreeing to any payment.

Next step: Want help interpreting this? Speak to your insurer, the Road Accident Fund, or an attorney (check any contingency fee agreement carefully).

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