Just been in a car accident?
Heart’s racing, you’re probably not thinking clearly, and that’s okay. As traumatic as this may feel, you’re not alone.
The fact is car accidents are surprisingly common. In Australia, there were 1,352 road deaths in the 12 months to August 2025. Many more are injured or suffer psychological trauma or other losses.
The good news is that by taking some simple steps in the first 24 hours after an accident, you can protect yourself legally and financially. From dealing with insurers to contacting experienced Gold Coast lawyers for help with personal injury claims, the right early actions make all the difference.
Here’s exactly what to do…
This ultimate guide covers everything you need to know about what to do in the first 24 hours after a car accident.
Here’s a preview of what’s covered:
- The critical actions to take within the first hour of your accident
- The documentation that can save your claim
- Your legal obligations that you can’t ignore
- The insurance mistakes you must avoid at all costs.
Stop, Breathe, and Check for Injuries
Your first priority following any accident?
Safety. Always safety.
Stop your vehicle and turn on your hazard lights. Take a deep breath. Check yourself for injuries. Then check any passengers. Can everyone move okay? Is anyone in pain?
Here’s something most people don’t realise…
Risk of a fatality doubles with each 5 km/h increase above 60 km/h. Even at lower speeds, a ‘minor’ accident can cause serious injuries that may not be immediately obvious.
If anyone is hurt, call 000 immediately. Don’t be a hero – get help.
Move to Safety (But Only if You Can)
Does your car need to move?
If you can drive it, pull over to the side of the road. If it’s not safe to move the car? Leave it where it is. But here’s the most critical part…
- Only move your car if:
- You can drive it safely
- No one is seriously injured
- The police haven’t told you to leave it
In the case of major damage or injuries, leave everything as it is.
Why?
The position of the vehicles can tell the story of what happened. Moving them can actually harm your claim later.
The Legal Stuff You Must Do
This part can get you in serious legal trouble if you skip it…
You are legally required to exchange details with the other driver. That is a fact. A statutory obligation. Refusing to provide information or leaving the scene without doing so is a criminal offence.
- You must exchange:
- Full name and address
- Driver’s licence number
- Vehicle registration number
- Insurance company details
What if the driver is not the vehicle owner? You need the vehicle owner’s details too.
But here’s a crucial point…
If someone refuses to give their details, call the police immediately. They’ll handle it. Do not let anyone drive away without exchanging information.
Document Everything (Your Future Self Will Thank You)
Here’s where most people go wrong…
Memory. You can’t rely on it. It’s broken. After an accident, your brain is not functioning at 100%. Your body produces stress hormones that interfere with memory. Fuzzy details. Unclear recollections.
Here’s a quick reminder of what to document:
- Date and exact time
- Location (including nearest cross street)
- Weather and road conditions
- Direction each vehicle was travelling
Get out the phone and take photos.
- Photograph:
- Vehicle damage from multiple angles
- The accident scene
- Skid marks
- Traffic signs and signals
- License plates
Easy peasy, right?
Secret weapon? Take lots of photos. Now document the scene.
Get Witness Details Fast
Witnesses? They’re gold, pure gold.
Why? Because more than 56% of Australian respondents were involved in a nose-to-tail collision. In those common accidents, witness statements can be critical in proving the other driver was at fault.
Approach anyone who saw the accident. Ask for their:
- Name
- Phone number
- Brief statement about what they saw
Be polite. Most people are happy to help.
Call Police When You Must
Lots of people are confused about calling the police…
Must I call them for every accident? No. It depends on the circumstances.
You MUST call the police if:
- Anyone is injured
- There is major property damage
- The other driver appears intoxicated
- Anyone refuses to exchange details
- Vehicles need to be towed
If the police don’t attend at the scene, you may still be required to report the accident to them within 24 hours. Different states have different rules.
Get an event number when you report it. Write it down. You’ll need it for your insurer.
The Insurance Call (Don’t Delay)
The secret that surprises people…
Contact your insurer as soon as possible. Like, today. Not in the future. Not tomorrow.
Why the hurry?
The fresher the details, the better. Plus, most policies have strict time limits for reporting accidents. You don’t want to be in breach.
When you call, have your documentation ready. Tell them exactly what happened. Don’t guess or speculate.
Secret tip… Don’t admit fault. Don’t even say sorry. Ever.
Medical Attention (Even if You Feel Fine)
Feeling okay? Great. But double-check.
Adrenaline is amazing. It masks pain and injuries. It’s a built-in defence so you can focus on survival in the short term. But it wears off. You don’t want to find out the hard way that what felt like nothing today turns out to be a serious injury tomorrow.
Common hidden injuries include:
- Whiplash
- Concussion
- Internal injuries
- Soft tissue damage
See a doctor within 24 hours. Document everything. Medical evidence is vital in the case of injury claims later.
The 1st 24 Hour Checklist
Here’s the simplest possible breakdown…
Here’s a quick checklist of what to do in 24 hours of an accident. Print it out and put it somewhere you can find it quickly.
Within 1 hour:
- Ensure everyone’s safe
- Exchange details
- Document the scene
- Call police if required
Within 6 hours:
- Contact your insurer
- See a doctor
- Write down what happened
Within 24 hours:
- Report to police if required
- Follow up with witnesses
- Organise vehicle repairs/towing
- Keep all receipts
Mistakes That Kill Claims
You want to know what kills most people’s claims?
Simple, avoidable mistakes in those first 24 hours after an accident.
- Never:
- Admit fault (even partially)
- Sign anything without reading it
- Accept the first settlement offer
- Post about the accident on social media
- Ignore “minor” injuries
Don’t make these mistakes. They cost thousands. Or leave you stuck with bills you shouldn’t be paying.
The Facts – Your Legal Rights
Here’s the harsh truth…
Insurance companies don’t have your best interests at heart. They are businesses whose job it is to minimise payouts.
If you’re injured in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation beyond the cost of vehicle repairs. This might include medical expenses, lost wages, and even pain and suffering.
But you have strict time limits to claim these rights. If you miss deadlines, you lose those rights.
That’s why getting legal advice early is a wise move. Especially where injuries are involved.
Making it all count
Accidents are stressful. Without a doubt.
It’s a fact of life. With all those 75.6 hospitalisations per 100,000 population across all transport accident types, getting into a crash is more common than most people realise.
But by following these steps in the first 24 hours, you can protect yourself legally and financially. The difference between a smooth claims process and a total nightmare.
Stay safe out there.
And in the unlucky event of an accident? Now you know exactly what to do.
The most important thing? Don’t panic. Follow the steps. Protect yourself.
You’ve got this.
