Keep this handy: What you need to do in case of an accident

Each year, thousands of Australian drivers are involved in car accidents, many of whom are unsure of the proper steps to follow at the scene of the accident.

To prevent this happening to you, the good people at Hyundai Motor Company Australia have prepared an accident guide which you should print and pop in your glove box..

If you are involved in a car accident, keep calm and follow these steps:

STEP 1: What to do at the scene of an accident.

1. Assess the accident scene. Stop immediately. Use indicator lights, headlights or hazard lights to warn other drivers. Clear the road of debris.

2. Check for injured people. In the case where a person/s is injured and there is major damage to the car, call emergency services (000) for medical and

police assistance.

3. Check the vehicle is in driving condition. If so move the car to a safe location to exchange details. If the vehicle is not in a drivable condition or cannot be moved safely, step away from the car and activate hazard lights. If possible, send someone to warn oncoming drivers and wait in a safe place until police arrive.

4. Check the ignition is turned off before leaving the car and all other vehicle’s involved have the ignition turned off as a fire precaution. In case of fire, contact emergency services (000) for fire department and police assistance.

5. Exchange contact details with the other vehicle/s. When exchanging details use the Hyundai Detail Report. This will make sure you have all the correct information needed. If there is any dispute in obtaining contact details with person/s involved, contact the police.

STEP 2: Know what your insurance covers.

Before reporting your accident to the insurance company, check what your car insurance covers. The whole insurance process will be easier if you know the details of your coverage. 

The amount of money your insurance company will spend on repairing your car depends on your policy. Some insurers prefer to use cheaper non-genuine parts,  a choice which could lead to inferior parts being fitted to your car. Why compromise? As a Hyundai owners, your insurance company should make all repair options clear, especially concerning the quality of the replacement parts. 

STEP 3: Insist on genuine parts.

Once your policy options are established, the process of returning your car to its original condition starts. For quality, fit and safety, insist on Hyundai Genuine Parts. Check whether your policy states your car will be returned to 'pre-collision' condition, including the use of Hyundai Genuine Parts.