Essential Steps to Take After a Car Accident in Singapore
Car accidents can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do in the aftermath can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety and protecting your rights. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to take immediately after a car accident in Singapore, from prioritizing safety to documenting the scene and reporting the accident.Â
Proper action can help protect your legal standing, avoid financial penalties, and speed up your accident insurance claim process.
Prioritize Safety After a Car Accident
The first priority after any car accidents in Singapore is to ensure the safety of everyone involved. By taking a few precautionary measures, you can prevent additional accidents and keep the situation under control.
Move Your Vehicle to a Safe Location After a Car Accident
If it is safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road to avoid obstructing traffic and causing further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and secure the area.Â
If the car cannot be moved, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until it is safe to exit the vehicle. Leaving your vehicle in the middle of the road increases the risk of additional collisions, especially on busy highways.
Check for Injuries After a Car Accident
After ensuring the vehicle is in a safe position, check for injuries among everyone involved. If anyone is hurt, call 995 for emergency medical assistance. Do not attempt to move injured individuals, as this can cause further harm.Â
Wait for the emergency responders to arrive. For non-serious injuries, a first aid kit can be helpful, but avoid giving any medication without professional guidance.
Documenting the Car Accident Scene
Documenting the accident scene is crucial for any accident insurance claim you may need to file. Proper documentation will help support your case, whether for insurance purposes or legal proceedings. This is also important for disputes over liability, as well as potential legal actions that could arise later.
Take Photos and Videos to Support Your Accident Insurance Claim
Use your phone to capture as much visual evidence as possible. Take clear photos of the vehicles involved, their positions, and any visible damage. Don’t forget to document license plates, road conditions, and nearby traffic signs.Â
Capturing street names, nearby landmarks, and weather conditions can strengthen your claim. If you have dashcam footage, save it as it could be vital in road traffic accident claims.
Gather Important Information for Your Car Accident Report
Collect essential details from all involved parties. This includes:
- Names and NRIC numbers
- Phone numbers
- Insurance company names and policy numbers
Also, note down the time, date, and exact location of the accident. Don’t forget to collect witness statements or contact details from bystanders, which can provide additional support in case of liability disputes.Â
Having this information readily available is important when reporting to your personal accident insurance company and during the claim process.
Reporting the Car Accident to Authorities and Your Insurance Company
Reporting the car accident promptly is a legal requirement in Singapore. Not only does this protect your car accident injury claim, but it also helps you maintain your No Claim Discount (NCD).
Report the Car Accident to Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance company within 24 hours, even if you do not intend to make a claim. Failing to report the accident can lead to a loss of your No Claim Discount (NCD) and may affect future renewals of your personal accident insurance. Insurers may also decline future claims if an accident goes unreported, so it’s better to be cautious and report everything.
For further guidance on handling a car accident, check out this helpful resource on what to do after a car accident, published by Singapore Road Safety.
When to File a Police Report for a Car Accident in Singapore
You are required to file a police report if the accident involves:
- Injuries requiring hospitalization or severe vehicle damage
- Disputes over liability
- Hit-and-run cases or foreign vehicles
Filing a police report is also mandatory if there is damage to government property, such as street signs or barriers. In cases of hit-and-run incidents, try to gather as much evidence as possible, such as the fleeing vehicle’s make, model, or color, to assist in the police investigation.
Getting Your Car Repaired After an Accident
Once you’ve reported the accident, the next step is to get your vehicle repaired. Always follow your insurer’s guidelines to avoid complications with your accident insurance claim.
Contact an Authorized Tow Truck for Accident Recovery
If your car is undrivable, contact your insurance company for an authorized tow truck. Avoid using unauthorized towing services, as they may charge excessive fees, and this could complicate your claims process.Â
Insurers often work with trusted tow services that will transport your car safely to an authorized repair shop. Some insurers also provide emergency towing as part of their policy package, so check if you’re covered to avoid out-of-pocket expenses.
Get Your Vehicle Repaired at an Authorized Workshop
Once your car is at the repair shop, ensure that all damages are thoroughly documented before repairs begin. Your insurer will guide you to one of their authorized workshops for repairs.
Be sure to obtain written estimates of repair costs to prevent disputes with your insurer later. Using an unauthorized workshop could lead to complications with your car accident injury claim in Singapore, so it’s always best to follow their recommendations.
| Step | Details |
| Move to Safety | Move the vehicle to a safe location if possible and activate hazard lights. |
| Check for Injuries | Call 995 if there are any injuries, and wait for emergency services. |
| Take Photos and Videos | Capture detailed images and videos of the accident scene. |
| Gather Information | Collect essential contact and insurance details from all parties involved. |
| Report to Insurer | Inform your insurance company within 24 hours. |
| Contact Tow Truck | Use only authorized towing services for vehicle transport. |
Key Takeaways for Drivers in Singapore After a Car Accident
Handling a car accident can be stressful, but following these steps will help you navigate the situation smoothly:
- Prioritize safety first by moving to a safe location and checking for injuries.
- Document the accident scene carefully with photos and videos, and collect all essential information from other parties involved.
- Report the accident to your insurance company within 24 hours to protect your No Claim Discount (NCD).
- File a police report if the accident involves injuries, significant damage, or disputes over liability.
- Follow your insurer’s guidelines for towing and repairs to avoid claim disputes.
End Note
At SG Accident, we offer reliable personal accident insurance solutions to help protect you during unexpected situations. With comprehensive policies designed specifically for drivers in Singapore, we provide the coverage and security you need on the road.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help protect you and your vehicle.
