What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Australia?
In a Nutshell: Stay calm and follow these steps in order: 1. Check for injuries → 2. Move to safety → 3. Call 000 if needed → 4. Exchange details → 5. Document the scene → 6. Report to police (if required) → 7. Contact your insurer. Don't admit fault at the scene — let insurers determine liability.
Step 1: Check for Injuries and Call 000
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Anyone injured | Call 000 (Triple Zero) immediately for ambulance and police |
| No obvious injuries | Still check everyone — adrenaline can mask pain |
| If anyone is injured | Do not move them unless there's immediate danger (fire, flooding) |
| Minor injuries only | Still call 000 if there's any doubt |
| Road blocked / traffic hazard | Police should attend to manage traffic |
Australian law: You MUST stop after any accident. Leaving the scene is a criminal offence with penalties including fines, loss of licence, and even imprisonment.
Step 2: Move to a Safe Location
| Situation | Action |
|---|---|
| Car is driveable | Move to the side of the road (if safe) |
| Car is not driveable | Turn on hazard lights, stay inside with seatbelt on |
| On a highway/motorway | Get behind the barrier if possible — stay off the road |
| At night | If safe, use your phone torch or hazard lights |
| Spilt fuel / smoke | Move away from the vehicle immediately |
Step 3: Exchange Details
Australian law requires you to exchange the following information with all other parties:
| Detail | Required |
|---|---|
| Full name and address | ✅ Yes |
| Phone number | ✅ Yes (recommended) |
| Vehicle registration number | ✅ Yes |
| Driver's licence number | ✅ Yes |
| Insurance company | ✅ Yes (but don't need policy number at the scene) |
| Make, model, colour of vehicle | ✅ Yes |
| Location of accident | ✅ Yes |
💡 Don't: share your policy excess, admit fault, or argue about who's to blame. Just gather facts.
Step 4: Document the Scene
Modern smartphones make this easy:
| What to Photograph | Why |
|---|---|
| ALL vehicles' damage | Close-ups and wide shots showing both cars |
| The accident scene | Road layout, traffic lights, signs, skid marks |
| Registration plates | Both/all involved vehicles |
| Wider context | Street view, weather conditions, time stamps |
| Witness contact details | Names and phone numbers of witnesses |
| Any injuries | With consent — document for injury claims |
| Dashcam footage | If available, save the file and don't overwrite it |
💡 Pro tip: Take videos and photos from multiple angles. Get a photo showing both cars' positions relative to each other.
Step 5: Report to Police (When Required)
| State | When to Report |
|---|---|
| NSW | Injuries OR property damage >$5,000 (or if driver doesn't exchange details) |
| VIC | Any injury OR property damage >$5,000 |
| QLD | Injury OR property damage over $5,000 |
| SA | Injury OR property damage over $5,000 |
| WA | Injury OR any property damage |
| TAS | Injury OR property damage over $5,000 |
| ACT | Injury OR property damage over $5,000 |
| NT | Injury OR property damage over $3,000 |
✅ In all states, call Police Assistance Line (not 000 unless there are injuries or the road is blocked). 000 is for emergencies only.
Step 6: Contact Your Insurer
| Timing | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Immediately (within 24 hours) | Report the accident to your insurer — even if you're not sure about claiming |
| Check policy deadline | Some policies require notification within 30 days |
| Give the details | Share the information and photos you collected |
| Ask about next steps | Tow truck, rental car, approved repairer |
| Don't authorise repairs yet | Wait for the insurer's assessment |
💡 Should you claim? If the damage is minor (<$1,000) and you're at fault, consider paying out of pocket to protect your no-claim bonus.
Step 7: Follow Up
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| Day 1–3 | Get the claim number from your insurer |
| Day 3–7 | Arrange a vehicle assessment if needed |
| Day 7–14 | Repairs should begin or assessment completed |
| Ongoing | Follow up weekly if there are delays |
Key Takeaway
- Stop at the scene — it's a legal requirement in all states.
- Check for injuries first — call 000 if anyone is hurt.
- Exchange details — name, address, rego, licence, insurance.
- Don't admit fault — even saying "sorry" can be used against you.
- Document everything — photos, videos, witness details.
- Report to police if there's injury or significant damage.
- Contact your insurer within 24 hours — even if you're not claiming.
- Get a claim number and follow up with the insurer.
Last updated: July 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance on what to do after a car accident in Australia. State laws vary. For specific legal advice, consult a lawyer or your insurance company. In an emergency, always call 000.