A collision can leave you shaken and unsure what to do next. The priorities are simple: make the scene safe, help anyone who is injured, exchange the required details, document what happened and contact your insurer or repairer when you are ready. This guide explains the practical steps for drivers in Victoria.
1. Stop and check whether anyone is injured
You must stop immediately after a crash. Check yourself, your passengers and the occupants of other vehicles. If anyone is injured, in danger, or needs urgent help, call Triple Zero (000). Do not put yourself at risk by standing in live traffic.
If it is safe and the vehicles can be moved, getting them out of moving traffic may reduce the risk of another collision. Turn on hazard lights and follow directions from police or emergency workers.
2. Exchange the required details
Transport Victoria says drivers involved in a crash must provide their name, address, vehicle registration number and the vehicle owner’s name to the other people involved or their representatives. Record the other driver’s details carefully. It can also help to note a phone number, insurer, policy or claim number if available, and the make, model and colour of each vehicle.
Stay factual and calm. You can describe what you observed without arguing about responsibility at the roadside.
3. Know when the crash must be reported
Transport Victoria states that you must report the crash to the nearest police station if anyone is injured and police are not at the scene. You must also report it if property is damaged and the owner—or police—is not present. Victoria Police notes that when nobody is injured and everyone involved has exchanged names and addresses, police will not normally make a formal traffic accident report.
Circumstances vary, so contact Victoria Police if you are uncertain, another driver leaves without providing details, or there are safety concerns. In an emergency call 000; for non-urgent police assistance, Victoria Police lists 131 444.
4. Photograph the scene and the damage
If it is safe, take wide photos showing the road, vehicle positions, signs and conditions, followed by closer photos of the damage. Photograph number plates and any debris or markings that may be relevant. Note the time, date, location and contact details for witnesses. Save dash-camera footage before it is overwritten.
Photos do not replace a professional assessment. Bumpers and exterior panels can hide damage to mounting points, reinforcement bars, lamps, sensors or adjacent structure. A repair estimate is most reliable after the vehicle has been inspected.
5. Decide whether the car is safe to drive
Do not drive a vehicle that is leaking fluid, has damaged steering or suspension, has a tyre rubbing on bodywork, has deployed airbags, cannot display required lights, or otherwise appears unsafe. Arrange towing instead.
6. Contact your insurer and read your policy
If you intend to claim, contact your insurer and follow its claim instructions. Ask about your excess, towing, assessment, repairer arrangements, replacement transport and any documents required. Check the policy terms and ask your insurer what approval is needed before repairs begin.
Keep your claim number and copies of emails, estimates and approvals. Do not authorise work you do not understand. Ask the insurer or repairer to explain the proposed repair, parts choices and likely timing.
7. Arrange a professional damage assessment
A collision repairer can inspect visible damage, identify areas requiring further investigation and prepare an estimate. The final scope may change after dismantling reveals concealed damage or after diagnostic checks identify affected systems.
Bell Automotive Group provides collision repair assessments and can assist customers with the repair and insurance process across its locations. Our approach is built around clear communication, careful assessment and repairs suited to the vehicle and the damage found.
A simple post-accident checklist
Before leaving the scene: stop, check for injuries, call emergency services when needed, exchange details, report the crash when required and collect evidence safely.
After the scene: secure towing if the car may be unsafe, notify your insurer, preserve documents and arrange a proper inspection before repairs begin.
Need help assessing collision damage?
If your vehicle has been damaged, Bell Automotive Group can help you understand the next repair step. Contact the team for an assessment or choose a convenient location.
Speak with our Preston repair team on (03) 9478 8370 or our Thomastown repair team on (03) 9462 2234. For other areas, view our workshop locations.
Related reading: Insurance Smash Repairs: How the Process Works and Can You Choose Your Own Smash Repairer in Victoria?.
Sources
Transport Victoria: Crash responsibilities
Victoria Police: Traffic accident reports and Victoria Police contact information
Moneysmart: Making an insurance claim
General information only. Emergency, legal and insurance requirements depend on the circumstances and policy terms.