If you have just been in a crash, it can be hard to think clearly. Your heart is racing, you are worried about injuries, and you may already be stressing about insurance and money. This guide explains what to do after a car accident in South Australia in five clear steps so you can protect your health, your rights, and any future car accident compensation you may be entitled to. It is practical car accident help and advice, not theory.
Whether you search what do I do after a car accident or car accident what to do after, the basic priorities are the same. Stay safe, get medical help, record what happened, and get proper legal advice before you rely on an insurer to tell you what is fair. While practicing safe driving habits can help prevent crashes (you can read more South Australian road safety advice for drivers from THINK! Road Safety SA), knowing what to do if an accident does happen is essential.
Step 1: Make Safety and Medical Care Your First Priority
If you are hurt in a car accident, or anyone else is injured, call 000 straight away and ask for an ambulance and police. Even if you feel okay, shock and adrenaline can hide serious injuries. Soft tissue damage, concussion, or internal injuries may only show up hours or days later. The SA Government guidance on what to do after a crash outlines your legal duties, including stopping at the scene, assisting injured people, and reporting requirements.
As soon as you can, see a doctor and explain that you have been in a motor vehicle accident. Ask for your injuries, symptoms, and any recommended treatment to be carefully documented. This medical record is important for your health and can also be vital evidence if you later make a car accident compensation claim (learn more about motor vehicle accident claims at Mahony’s). For guidance on staying engaged with your treatment and recovery process, CTP SA injury recovery advice provides helpful information about returning to normal activities after a motor vehicle injury.
If the vehicles are in a dangerous position and it is safe to move them, move them out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights and, if available, place warning triangles to reduce the risk of a second collision. For a comprehensive practical checklist on immediate on-scene safety steps, Road Sense Australia provides an independent car crash safety checklist covering everything from hazard lights to moving vehicles safely.
Step 2: Exchange Details and Record What Happened
Once everyone is safe and any urgent medical needs are being managed, turn your attention to the details.
At the scene you should, as far as you safely can:
- Exchange names, phone numbers, addresses, and registration numbers with the other driver or drivers
- Note the make, model, and colour of each vehicle
- Ask for driver licence details and the name of each drivers insurer
- Collect contact details for any witnesses
Use your phone to take clear photos of:
- Damage to all vehicles
- The position of vehicles on the road
- Road conditions, traffic signs, skid marks, and any hazards
- Visible injuries such as bruising or cuts
These photos and notes help answer later questions about what to do after a car accident when insurers or lawyers ask for proof of what actually happened.
If police attend, ask for the incident number and record which station the officers are from. If police do not attend, you may still need to report the crash depending on the circumstances and your insurers requirements.
Step 3: Report the Accident and Notify Insurers (Carefully)
In South Australia, you will usually need to:
- Report the crash to your insurer within the timeframe in your policy, and
- If there are injuries or significant damage, follow any police reporting requirements.
When you contact your insurer, stick to the facts. Explain when and where the crash happened, who was involved, and what damage or injuries you are aware of. Avoid guessing or accepting blame on the spot. You do not need to answer detailed questions about fault or agree to any settlement before you have obtained independent car accident help and advice from experienced compensation lawyers.
If the other partys insurer contacts you, be cautious. Their priority is to minimise what they pay out, not to maximise what you receive. It is usually wiser to speak with a car accident lawyer before signing any documents or recorded statements. To understand how the CTP claim process in South Australia works, including what happens after you lodge a claim and how insurers respond, the CTP Regulator provides detailed guidance.
Step 4: Keep Records That Protect Your Claim
Many people only search how much compensation for car accident weeks or months after the crash, once they realise how much time off work or medical treatment they actually need. By that point, good records make a big difference.
From day one, try to keep:
- A diary of symptoms, pain levels, and how the injury affects your work and daily life
- Copies of medical reports, imaging, and referrals
- Receipts and invoices for treatment, medication, travel to appointments, and any out-of-pocket expenses
- Records of time off work and any reduction in hours or duties
These details help when you later ask car accident compensation amounts or car accident payout what is fair in my situation?. There is no single figure that applies to everyone. It depends on the seriousness of your injuries, the impact on your ability to work, and your ongoing medical needs. Understanding how compensation is calculated can help you know what to track.
If you are unsure about whether to claim or how strong your rights are, a short conversation with an experienced lawyer can prevent expensive mistakes.
Step 5: Get Independent Legal Advice Before You Settle
One of the biggest risks after a crash is accepting a quick, low offer from an insurer because you just want the matter to be over. This can leave you without support if your injuries turn out to be more serious than first thought.
Instead of relying on the insurer to guide you, consider speaking to a car accident lawyer in Adelaide who acts only for you. At Mahony’s, our team offers an obligation-free first conference in personal injury matters, so you can understand:
- Whether you may be entitled to car accident compensation
- What time limits apply to your situation
- The types of losses that might be claimable (treatment, income loss, care, pain and suffering in some cases)
- Whether the offer you have received is in the right range
For a detailed breakdown of compensation calculations, you can read Mahony’s comprehensive guide: What’s a Fair Payout for a Workplace or Car Injury in SA? (And What’s Not?)
Is This the Same as Workers Compensation?
People often search how long after a car accident can you claim for damage because they are worried about missing their chance. In South Australia, strict time limits apply to different types of claims. The exact limit depends on factors such as whether your injury is work-related, whether you were a driver, passenger, or pedestrian, and the sort of losses you want to claim.
The safest approach is simple. Seek legal advice as early as possible after the crash. This helps you avoid missing critical deadlines and gives you a clear plan for the next steps.
When Should I Call Car Accident Lawyers in Adelaide?
If you have been injured, if the crash was not your fault, or if an insurer has already contacted you with forms or an offer, it is sensible to get proper car accident help and advice from a local compensation law specialist.
Mahony’s Lawyers is a long-standing, family-founded firm in South Australia with more than 47 years of experience helping people with car accident compensation and other personal injury claims. You can:
- Arrange a free* first consultation to find out where you stand
- Get clear, practical advice in plain English
- Decide on your next steps with confidence
If you are unsure what to do after a car accident and want guidance tailored to your situation, you can contact Mahony’s through their Adelaide and regional offices or request an obligation-free first conference via their website.
FAQ
Car accident what to do after the first 24 hours?
In the first day after a crash you should:
- See a doctor, even if you feel sore but fine.
- Report the crash to your insurer.
- Write down your own account while memories are fresh.
- Save photos, dashcam footage, and messages related to the crash.
- Consider getting legal advice before filling out detailed insurer forms.
These steps protect both your health and any future claim.
How much compensation for car accident injuries?
There is no fixed table that applies to everyone. Car accident compensation amounts in South Australia depend on:
- The type and seriousness of your injuries
- How long you are away from work
- Whether you can return to your previous role
- Your ongoing treatment needs and long-term impact
A short, personalised assessment with a motor vehicle accident lawyer is usually the best way to understand the likely range rather than relying on generic online figures.
Should I admit fault at the scene of a car accident?
No. You should never admit fault or apologise for causing the crash at the scene, even if you think you may have been responsible. What seems obvious in the moment may not reflect the full picture once police investigate, witnesses provide statements, or mechanical issues are discovered. Saying “I’m sorry” or “it was my fault” can be used against you later by insurers to reduce or deny your claim. Stick to the facts when exchanging details: provide your name, contact information, registration, and insurer details, but do not discuss fault or blame. If you are unsure about liability, a car accident lawyer can assess the circumstances objectively and advise you on where you stand.
What if the other driver doesn't have insurance or leaves the scene?
If the other driver is uninsured, has left the scene, or cannot be identified, you may still have options for compensation in South Australia. You should report the incident to police immediately (especially if the other driver left the scene, as this is a criminal offence). Your own insurance policy may include uninsured motorist coverage that can help with vehicle damage. For personal injury claims, South Australia’s CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance scheme may still provide coverage in certain hit-and-run or uninsured driver situations. The rules can be complex, so it is important to get legal advice quickly to understand your rights and ensure you meet any reporting deadlines.
Mahony’s compensation law team can guide you through these situations and help you pursue all available options.