While the official work day for 2015 starts on 2^nd January, most of the local workforce people are still on a holiday mood. Well I would know that because of the traffic while on my way to work. Instead, 5^th of January felt more like the start of the work year.

I left my house at 6.45am and the roads were already full of vehicles. It definitely wasn’t nice to drive in this road condition, having to be more alert especially so early in the morning. The KJE was also quite pack and before I got onto the highway, I could already see the slow moving traffic. To my surprise, it wasn’t because of the large number of cars that suddenly appeared on the highway, it was actually caused by two road accidents which were just within 500m between them.

Both accidents were caused by chain collision. The first one was about five cars hitting consecutively on the front and back, while the second accident involved about three cars. I told myself never to drive on the fast/takeover lane during heavy traffic, which there is a higher chance of getting yourself in such accident if you are not focused. On the 6^th of January, another similar accident happened on the same highway, this time involving another five to six cars. And on my way home at around 6.30pm, Brickland road had another accident where a car had hit a traffic lamp post at the junction.

So four accidents in two days, I feel driving on the road these days in 2015 seems more dangerous than ever. I decided to write this post to help those who are puzzled on what to do should they be involved in an accident.

Here are some of the FAQ:

1. What to do when you are involved in a car accident?

1. Stop your vehicle at the scene of the accident
2. Check if the people involved in the accident are injured. If so dial 995 for ambulance.
3. Take a photo of the accident if possible
4. Take down the registration numbers and insurance companies of all vehicles involved in the accident.
5. Take down the names, NRIC Numbers, addresses and telephone numbers of the drivers, passengers, injured pedestrians and witnesses.
6. Give your particulars as and when required.
7. Call your insurer’s hotline for a tow truck or for further advice on the accident whenever necessary.

2. Do I need to make a report?

Yes. All accidents must be reported to your insurer within the next 24 hours, or by the next working day if it falls during a weekend or PH.

3. What if the accident is minor with not much visible damage or when an amicable settlement could be reached with the parties involved, do I still need to go through all the hassle and make a report?

The answer is still YES. In this case it will be just like calling the report centre and you ‘open’ and ‘close’ the case for your accident. Insurers will prefer all accident cases to be reported to them ASAP, so as to avoid any complication should one party decide to file for claim later. Failure to report your accident will result you to be in a position where your claims could be prejudiced or even rejected by insurers.

4. So how do I make a report? Who should I call?

Check your car insurance policy, usually there will be a hotline indicated or telephone numbers of those authorized workshop.

For more information on motor insurance, kindly refer to my product page listed under personal insurance. Or simply drop me an email to enquire.

While you need to make sure you don’t cause accidents, you would also probably need to ‘avoid’ accident by driving smart. Anticipation and vision will play an important part for you to avoid accidents. Even though you know it’s not your fault, still it is too troublesome to go through the process of claims and even having to send your car to workshop for repair.

So remember to drive safe and stay safe

 

References:

• Source:  1. Singapore Legal Advice
• Source:  11. One Motoring