The perfect time to take a long drive is when your 5-day work week is interrupted by a long weekend. Long road trips are synonymous with summer in this country. Unfortunately, summer is also when traffic is at its highest, and accidents are more likely to occur, whether minor or major.
To be safe on the roads, it is important to drive defensively. However, unfortunately, even the most experienced driver cannot avoid certain situations.
If you are in an accident in which you are partially at fault, there are some things you can do to avoid costly mistakes. We will elaborate on this.
Accident involving a Third Party
Car accidents can cause trauma and throw people in a loop. The experience can be stressful, no matter how experienced one is or how old they are. Therefore, it is crucial to be aware of what you should do (and not) in the aftermath of an accident. This will help you keep your car insurance claims safe.
You should inform your insurance company about the Vehicle Accident Investigation Malaysia, get medical treatment and report the incident to the police. Here are nine things that you should not do after an accident:
- You must immediately leave the accident site. This applies regardless of whether the accident caused injury, death, or property damage. You could face severe penalties if you fail to report the accident site and do not comply. If you are in an accident, stay on the scene and notify the police. Seek medical attention for the injured if possible.
- Do not forget to call the police. Some people believe that only an accident death should alert the police. This is not true. No matter the extent of damage, it is vital to notify the police about the accident. It is important to file an FIR as soon as possible. It can be vital evidence in a car insurance case. This would include information about what happened, the road condition, witnesses’ names and contact information, and a description of how it occurred.
- Be angry – It is disappointing to see your prized possession, a car, damaged in an accident that was not your fault. Keep your cool. Do not get mad at the third party.
- Do not forget to take down any information. Before leaving the accident scene, it is important to make sure you have as much detail as possible. Note down all information, including witnesses. Take photos of the accident scene. You should also have the details of the third-party’s insurance company. Keep track of the number of plates and the date and time of the accident. These details can be difficult to find if a third party contacts the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) for a settlement.
- Apologize or admit fault – You should never immediately apologize for an accident. In a conversation with your insurance company, you should not admit to fault. It is better to tell the truth about the accident and not lie. In order to avoid being held responsible for any damages, the insurance company responsible for the claim could use your apology against you.
- Do not neglect the follow-ups. After a car accident, contacting your insurance company and making calls to the third party’s insurance company is important. There may be legal proceedings. These time-consuming tasks will be ignored, and you will not get the best results. If you need help, an experienced lawyer is available. You can get help from an experienced lawyer to deal with the aftermath of an accident. You should also seek legal assistance when you speak to the third-party insurance provider to ensure that your claim is not compromised.
- Do not agree to an unfair settlement without a lawyer. These discussions can involve complex legal clauses you may not be aware of.
- You can file a case at the tribunal yourself. You must seek legal assistance before approaching the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal to settle a claim. Your insurance company may represent you for certain incidents.
- Do not be alarmed by an increase in car insurance premiums. Most insurance companies will only increase the premium if the car driver is at fault for the accident. Do not worry about how the incident will affect your insurance. Just follow the guidelines.
Conclusion
Last but not least, refuse any offer of direct payment from a third party. Direct payment might not be as great as it appears. Make sure your insurance company has completed a survey of the vehicle and assessed the damage before you get it repaired.
