Road accidents are on the rise in Malaysia, with a total of 598,635 vehicle crashes in 2023. In the event of a car accident, it is crucial to follow the proper procedures to protect your rights. Missing certain steps can result in insufficient information for making insurance claims or resolving disputes with other parties involved.
To avoid disputes, follow these steps if you are in a car accident.
Step 1: Check for Injuries
Being in a car accident can be distressing, but it’s important to stay calm. Once you have collected yourself, check if you, your passengers, and others involved are injured. Simultaneously, check your surroundings to ensure you are at a safe distance from moving vehicles.
If medical assistance is needed, dial 999. When calling for an ambulance, provide details such as the number and ages of the injured individuals and a description of their injuries.
If the accident involves other parties, both you and the other driver should move your cars to the side of the road. Ensure your emergency lights are on and place a warning triangle behind your vehicle.
If the other party engages in harassing behaviour, stay in your car and drive directly to the nearest police station.
Step 2: Exchange Personal Information
It’s important to gather as many details as possible about the accident, as they will be required when you make a police report or insurance claim. First, obtain the following information from the other parties involved:
- Name
- Identification card number
- Residential address
- Insurer’s name and policy number
Additionally, note the other parties’ vehicle details, such as the license plate number, make, and model of the vehicle.
You should also record the particulars and contact details of any witnesses present at the scene of the accident.
Step 3: Taking Photos Of The Accident Scene
After that, you can take photos of the vehicles and the accident scene. Make sure to take pictures of any visible damages and close ups of the damages.
Aside from the damages, it’s also important to get an overview picture of the accident scene and any physical marks or damages such as skid marks, damaged lamp posts or road barriers.
You can also take pictures of any road names or landmarks at the location of the accident.
Those with a dashboard camera can save the footage and send it to the police.
Step 4: Make a Police Report
If you are involved in a car accident, you are legally required to make a police report within 24 hours of the incident. Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to RM300. The involvement of the police is vital for conducting an immediate investigation to determine the party at fault and to facilitate any claims or compensation.
Drivers should proceed to the nearest police station to file a report. Bring along any photos and video footage of the accident to aid the investigation.
Step 5: Make an Insurance Claim
In Malaysia, it is compulsory to have valid vehicle insurance to drive on public roads. Once you have ensured you are in a safe environment, contact your insurance agent or company for advice.
You can also call the Accident Assist Call Centre (AACC) at 1300-22-11-88. The AACC is a nationwide, 24-hour hotline service that provides towing services, answers inquiries about vehicle insurance claims, and offers other assistance.
There are three types of vehicle insurance in Malaysia:
- Third-Party: Covers claims for bodily injuries or death caused to others and damages or loss of property of others.
- Third-Party, Fire and Theft: Covers third-party claims and damages or loss to your property due to fire and theft.
- Comprehensive Cover: Covers third-party claims and damages or loss to your property due to an accident, fire, or theft.
If your insurance does not cover damages or loss to your vehicle, you can make a claim against a third party. You will need to inform the other driver of your intention to claim and ask them to notify their insurer.
If you have comprehensive vehicle insurance that covers damage to your property, inform your insurer of your intention to claim. If your insurer requires you to send your car to a specific workshop, do so and provide the estimated repair costs to your insurer.
The insurer may send a loss adjuster to assess the damage to your vehicle. Once you submit a completed claim form with the relevant documents, the insurer will authorize the necessary repair work.
Read Also: Malaysia Car Insurance: The Types Of Policies And What Is Sufficient Coverage
Follow Us On Telegram & Instagram!
Join our Malaysia Telegram channel (@dollarsandsensemy) and follow our Malaysia Instagram Page (@dnsmalaysia) as we bring you the latest finance content in Malaysia!
