Last updated 8 May 2025

Drivers involved in an accident are legally obliged to:

  • stop at the scene and help anyone who may be injured
  • call 000 if there is an emergency or if there is a:
    • death or injury (requiring medical attention from a qualified ambulance officer, nurse or doctor)
    • hazardous environment or threat to public safety including traffic congestion (e.g. fuel spill, power lines down)
  • call Policelink on 13 14 44 if any of the following occur:
    • suspected involvement of drugs and/or alcohol
    • a driver fails or has failed or is refusing to provide required details
    • a driver with an impairment or disability requires police assistance
  • exchange information with other persons involved in the traffic crash by giving their name and address, the name and address of the car’s owner (if different from their own), the registration number of the car and any other information necessary to identify the car to:
    • any other driver involved in the accident
    • any person injured
    • the owner of any property damaged
  • move the vehicles involved in the crash (if safe to do so) including any dangerous debris that has fallen from their vehicle after an accident, including oil spills
  • where required, report the crash to police within 24 hours.

The police website also contains further information for what to do in a traffic crash and the relevant details you will need to obtain, as well as the QR code if you want to submit the details via the Policelink.

Practical steps

When a person is involved in an accident, the following steps should be taken at the scene of the accident:

  • obtain the names and addresses of any witnesses
  • make handwritten notes of any conversation with the other person involved in the accident and make a sketch showing how the accident happened (e. g. position of vehicles)
  • make a drawing of the accident scene (including distances, width of street and lane markings). Take photos of the scene and any damage to vehicles
  • obtain full particulars of the driver of the other vehicle, including their licence number and the name of their insurance company (both CTP and comprehensive insurance)
  • do not make admissions about liability for the accident. Admissions at the scene of the accident may invalidate an insurance policy
  • report the accident to any insurer as soon as possible. This is a standard term of insurance policies and failure to do so may result in denial of cover. The accident should be reported even if you have no present intention to claim against the policy
  • seek immediate medical attention if injuries are sustained.