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Dealing With The Aftermath Of A Smashed Car
A car accident can be a harrowing experience, leaving you with a smashed car and an overwhelming feeling of shock. Being unsure about what to do next is perfectly normal, but what you do immediately after the accident can significantly impact the outcome. From prioritizing your safety to deciding whether to repair or sell your smashed car, there are crucial steps to take when dealing with the aftermath of a car accident.
At Sell Your Damaged Car, we suggest you think through the following measures immediately after the crash:
Prioritise your safety
The first and most essential step is to ensure your safety and the safety of others involved in the accident. If you can safely exit your vehicle, do so and move to a safe location away from traffic. If anyone is injured, call for medical assistance immediately. Your well-being and that of others should always be the top priority.
Contact the authorities
Once you've ensured everyone's safety, contact the South African Police Service (SAPS). They will arrive at the scene to assess the situation, gather necessary information, and create an official accident report. This report can be essential when dealing with insurance claims and legal matters.
Get all the info you need
While waiting for the authorities to arrive, exchange information with the other parties involved in the accident. This typically includes names, contact information, driver's license numbers, and vehicle registration details. Collecting this data is crucial for filing insurance claims and settling any potential disputes later.
Document the scene
Use your smartphone or a camera to take photos of the accident scene. Make sure that the images of the damaged vehicles, any visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signals, and road signs are clear. These visual records can serve as valuable evidence when dealing with insurance claims and the Road Accident Fund (RAF).
Contact your insurer (if you have one)
Should you possess car insurance, it is crucial to reach out to your insurance provider promptly to inform them about the incident. Give them all the important information, like the accident report number and the details you got from the other people involved.
Some South African insurers allow insured customers to upload photos directly onto their appropriate phone applications. Your insurance provider will assist you in navigating the claims procedure and guide subsequent actions.
Repair or sell?
After the accident, you'll need to assess the extent of the damage to your vehicle. Depending on the severity of the damage and the value of your car, you'll need to make a decision: whether to repair or sell. In many cases, a severely smashed-up car may not be worth repairing, especially if the repair costs exceed the car's value. Selling it may be a more practical option.
Arrange towing
If your bashed car is not drivable, you'll need to arrange for towing to a secure location. Many towing services offer 24/7 assistance and can transport your damaged vehicle to a repair shop, car pound, or another location of your choice (read more below about SYDC’s free towing service when they purchase your vehicle).
Sell your damaged car
At Sell Your Damaged Car, we understand the need for a fast, safe, and easy solution. That’s why we offer:
- A streamlined process that's fast, safe, and easy.
- An obligation-free offer within 24 hours of contacting us.
- Free towing services to make the process hassle-free.
- SYDC takes care of the change of ownership and or deregistration when we purchase the vehicle.
- As the largest salvage auctioneer in South Africa, we guarantee instant cash for your damaged vehicle.
Contact us today or get an obligation-free offer and experience the most convenient way to turn your smashed car into cash.