Typically, when an accident occurs, especially when it involves with another vehicle, most people will often get into a rage, KPKB at the other driver, get really defensive and confrontational.
Not only this will not solve anything, but the other driver is more likely to claim heavily against you when you are clearly at fault. What you want is to protect yourself against fraudulent claims.
*Assuming that it is not a serious accident and involves only vehicle damage and not serious injury to any drivers or passengers
Here's what you should do, within the next 10-20 secs :
1. Cool down and take 3 deep breaths, especially if you're starting to get pissed off. You need the clear mind now!
2. You have to decide whether it is clearly your fault first... be rational, not defensive. This is important!
Once you have done the above, you can get out of the car, please don't go confront the driver (especially if it is CLEARLY your fault). No need to whip out your camera first. You will have time to do that later.
Not your fault or Both are at fault
* this is what almost everyone fails to do... -> Keep a lookout for any potential eyewitnesses. There are likely to be kaypoh around. This is Singapore! Don't go approach them first, just be aware. How you behave next is very important.
If the other driver confronts you, don't argue back. Just say to him/her in a lower tone, nicely "Can we discuss & settle this properly?" He is unlikely to reject you. Then you can go ahead to do the usual exchanging of contacts, insurance and all the works.
Maintain view of your targeted eyewitness to check if they are still there while you are doing your exchange
If the other driver continues to be unreasonable and starts shouting and swearing at you.... maintain your cool. The more aggressive he is, the better it is for you! Let him display his aggressiveness to the kaypoh eyewitness a little while more... (Singaporeans not only like to watch show... but they also like to help the underdogs. Some may already have whip out their smartphones to take videos) Now take out your smartphones and start snapping the accident scene. He will also do likewise in order not to lose you.
Eventually try and see if you can do the exchange of contact and info.
Remember, KEEP YOUR COOL! I will let you know how to get eyewitness contact later.
Clearly your fault
Take out your smartphone, start your video recording function. Do not video the scene yet, just hold it in your hand casually. The other driver must not know you're recording anything. (you need not bother about eyewitness here)
Once you get out of the car, approach the driver with the most concerned look and ask if he is ok or injured. If there are passengers in his car, ask if they are ok too. Ask a few more times to be sure.
Next... check the damage of his car first, before you check yours.
Then do your usual photo-shoot, exchanging of contacts and information.
Be nice throughout. You want to give a caring approach so that it's easier to negotiate and it is also more unlikely that the other driver will want to claim you jialat jialat.
Photo-taking
Most people will just take photo of the damaged areas of both vehicles. It is rather useless.
What other photos you need to take:
a. Overview of the accident scene. With both vehicles in the photo, standing further away from the scene.
b. Junction, Filter Lanes, Road Lanes, Traffic Junction, Traffic conditions, Skid/Tyre marks etc
c. when you taking pictures of the other vehicle, don't only focus on the damaged parts, but also on the undamaged areas, basically, the whole car. There may be other damaged portions not caused during this accident.
It is very useful for insurance companies to conduct their investigations and, also to your favour.
But as a considerate motorist, should we move the vehicles to the road shoulder first when there is no injury involved so that it wont jam up the whole road?
But as a considerate motorist, should we move the vehicles to the road shoulder first when there is no injury involved so that it wont jam up the whole road?
should only move after u take photos of the accident and accident scene, especially when the fault is not clear. the last position of the vehicles just after the accident is important to insurers to determine who's fault. (e.g. who's changing lane or out of lane, etc)
Eye witness can be "bought" at times... I kenna before. Clearly another fellow at fault, but when I read his report, there is suddenly a pseudo-witness that appeared out of no where.. idiot.
Share with you guys next time.
__________________
All cars are equal. But some cars are more equal than others.
Also below quick summary slide from the recent workshop for easy memory.
In addition from the workshop,
1) Do not ever admit you are at fault, no matter in verbal or in written. If can get the other party written in fault the best.
2) And for any insurance claim, both parties best not to include in report indicating mechanical fault (eg, brake not working)... gonna have hard time getting claims and even get thrown out by insurer.
3) Avoid any non-SG plate car in front or back as in any accident claim, Good Luck .....
4) Any accident involved authority vehicles, must 24 hrs report to police station.
-- Edited by rchew on Sunday 18th of August 2013 11:48:57 AM
