For many recent migrants to Australia, common questions after a vehicle collision include:
- Do I need to report a road accident to police in Australia?
- Do I need to wait for police after a minor collision in NSW?
- What details must be exchanged after an accident?
- Does a Green Slip cover vehicle repair costs?
- What should I do if the other driver keeps saying I am at fault?
Without knowing Australia’s road accident procedure, poor handling can affect an insurance claim and even create unnecessary legal risk.
This article uses NSW to explain what to do after a vehicle collision, including police-reporting requirements, preserving evidence, exchanging details, towing, insurance claims and CTP Green Slip cover, helping drivers handle accidents lawfully.
What Is the First Step After a Road Accident in Australia?
Whatever the accident’s severity, first make the scene safe rather than discuss fault immediately.
After a collision, stop immediately, switch on your Hazard Lights, check whether you, your passengers or anyone in the other vehicle is injured, and look for oil leaks, fire or vehicles obstructing traffic.
Under NSW law, a driver must stop after a road accident. If anyone is injured, the driver should provide assistance to the extent they are able.
If anyone is injured or trapped, or the scene poses an immediate danger, call 000 for police, ambulance or fire brigade assistance.
Once the scene is safe, take photographs to preserve evidence.
Must Every Minor Vehicle Collision in NSW Be Reported to Police?
Many new migrants assume every collision must be reported and that they must wait for police.
Police do not need to attend most ordinary minor collisions.
If all of the following apply:
- No one has been injured;
- No vehicle needs to be towed from the scene;
- Both parties are willing to exchange details;
- There is no drink driving, drug driving or aggressive conduct;
- There is no traffic safety risk at the scene.
After exchanging details, both parties can generally contact their insurers about the claim.
However, police should be contacted in any of the following circumstances:
- Someone has been injured or killed;
- The other party refuses to stop or provide their details;
- You suspect the other driver of drink driving or drug driving;
- A vehicle cannot be driven after the accident;
- The other party behaves aggressively;
- The accident creates a serious traffic hazard.
In an emergency, call 000. After leaving the scene, make a non-emergency report on the Police Assistance Line: 131 444.
What Details Must Be Exchanged After a Road Accident in NSW?
Under NSW requirements, the parties should exchange basic identifying details, including:
- The driver’s name and address;
- The vehicle’s registration number;
- If the driver is not the owner, the owner’s name and address;
- Other information sufficient to identify the vehicle.
For an insurance claim, also record:
- A contact telephone number;
- Driver’s licence details;
- The vehicle’s make, model and colour;
- The name of the insurer;
- The policy number, if any;
- The time and location of the accident.
Also record any witness’s name and contact details.
How Should You Photograph an Australian Road Accident Scene?
Complete scene photographs can help an insurer determine fault.
Photograph:
- The overall positions of both vehicles;
- Both vehicles’ registration plates;
- All damaged areas;
- Road junctions, traffic signs and lane markings;
- The positions of traffic lights;
- Debris and skid marks on the road;
- The other vehicle and driver’s licence details;
- Details of the towing company and tow-truck driver, if applicable.
Back up dashcam footage promptly so that it is not overwritten automatically.
Should You Admit Fault After a Road Accident in Australia?
Do not admit fault immediately out of nervousness.
Road accident fault is usually assessed from road rules, scene photographs, vehicle positions, dashcam footage and witness testimony; it is not decided by either party at the scene.
Exchange details first and tell the other party:
“Let’s exchange details and let the insurers deal with it.”
Then leave the matter to the insurers.
Do not sign a document acknowledging liability at the scene or pay compensation privately.
Is Towing Mandatory After a Road Accident in Australia?
Towing companies may arrive quickly after an accident.
In NSW, a driver has the right to decide:
- Whether to use a towing service;
- Which towing company to use;
- Which repairer the vehicle will be towed to.
Before signing any towing authorisation, contact your insurer and ask it to arrange the service.
When Should You Contact Your Insurer After an Australian Road Accident?
After leaving the scene, contact your insurer promptly and prepare:
- The time and location of the accident;
- The other driver’s details;
- Photographs and videos from the scene;
- Witness details;
- The Police Event Number, if any;
- Towing and repair details.
Even if you believe you were not at fault, notify your insurer promptly.
Does a Green Slip Cover Vehicle Repair Costs?
New migrants commonly misunderstand this.
All NSW-registered vehicles must have a CTP Green Slip, primarily covering personal injury compensation from road accidents.
A Green Slip does not cover:
- Repair costs for your own vehicle;
- Repair costs for the other vehicle;
- Damage to third-party property such as walls and safety barriers.
Cover for vehicle repairs and property damage depends mainly on Comprehensive Insurance or Third Party Property Insurance.
What If Symptoms Appear the Day After a Road Accident?
Some injuries appear only hours or the next day after an accident, including neck pain, headaches, back pain, limb numbness or psychological distress.
If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention promptly and tell the doctor they relate to the accident.
Eligible people injured in NSW road accidents may claim CTP personal injury compensation for medical and care expenses and some income support. Some benefits have application time limits, so seek advice and apply early.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Must a Minor Collision in Australia Be Reported to Police?
Not necessarily. If no one is injured, the vehicles are driveable and both parties exchange details, police generally need not attend.
Can a Green Slip Pay for Vehicle Repairs?
No. A Green Slip (CTP) primarily covers personal injury arising from a road accident; it does not cover vehicle or property damage.
How Soon After an Australian Road Accident Should You Contact Your Insurer?
Contact your insurer promptly after leaving the scene, providing photographs, the other party’s details and relevant evidence.
What Should I Do If the Other Party Asks Me to Admit Fault at the Scene?
Do not admit fault or sign an acknowledgment of liability at the scene. Exchange details and let the insurer assess the evidence.
Conclusion
Whatever an accident’s severity, first ensure everyone’s safety, exchange details as required by law, preserve the evidence and contact the insurer promptly. Following the correct procedure can make a claim more efficient and better protect your legal rights.
