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What to do when you are involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Accidents happen anywhere and In Malaysia, there is no exception either. One can be careful but however the other party may not be. Therefore, it is important to remember the following basic rules should you ever be involved in a motor vehicle accident:-



1. Keep Calm Emotionally


When the emotions are high, the IQ is low. All logic and sense tends to take backseat when one is highly emotional which if left unchecked may lead to more serious repercussions of physical assault or verbal abuse between involved parties.


Remember to be calm and to take deep breaths, assess the situation, when possible, relocate your vehicle to the road shoulder to avoid blocking ongoing traffic unless the accident involves a fatality of a person .

Note: If it is a fatal accident, call the Police immediately and wait for them to arrive.


2. Examine yourself for physical injuries

Examine yourself for any for wounds and bleeding and if possible call or get someone to call an ambulance if you require medical assistance, and administer to yourself first aid .


3. Examine your surroundings to see if it’s safe

Examine your surroundings and the other drivers/vehicles that are involved before alighting out from your vehicle. If you sense that your safety is affected and may be in immediate danger from the other drivers or an angry mob gathering, go immediately to the nearest police station to make a report.


4. Take pictures of the damage to all involved vehicles and injuries of injured persons

Take proper photos of all damage sustained by EACH vehicle involved in the accident using your mobile phone (including all proof of identity of the involved vehicles in the accident such as the vehicle number plate, road tax sticker or any other markings/signs which can identify the vehicles involved in the accident.

If persons are injured in the accident take photos of any injuries the people sustained in the accident.

Take photos of the accident scene and the surrounding areas that can positively identified the location of the accident such as a signboard, landmark, tnb electric post number and record the date and time.


5. Exchange details with the other involved parties. Speak calmly with the other drivers who are involved in the accident. Exchange details of the following :-

  1. Vehicle registration number

  2. Vehicle model, colour, and model year (if possible)

  3. Driver’s Name, Address, and Phone Number

  4. Vehicle Owner’s Name, Address, and Phone Number (if different from the driver)

  5. Driver’s IC number and Driving Licence number.

Remember also to  take down the details of any witnesses (if any).

Note: In most accidents, there will be onlookers or persons who would appear from no where and will offer you assistance to call a tow truck or to assist you in repairing your vehicle. Politely decline their offer and call your vehicle Insurance for assistance.


6. Make a police report within 24 hours

Head over to the nearest police station with a traffic division to make your report. It is important to note that you must make a report even if you do not intend to claim any insurance for the repairs of your damage vehicle.

By doing so you will protect yourself from any third party claims some of which may be frivolous and may twist the story against you making you look as if you are the cause of the alleged accident.

If you are unable to make a report within 24 hours from the accident with a valid reason (like being injured in the hospital), the police will still accept your report and will normally not fine you for making a late report.


7.Contact your insurance to notify them of your involvement in an accident and make a claim if necessary.

It is important that you notify your Insurance if you are involved in an accident even if you do not wish to pursue a claim to repair your vehicle as this will give your Insurance notice of any potential claim on your vehicle.

Essentially there are four (4) types of Insurance claim that can be pursued.

  1. Own Damage Claim (OD Claim) - (claiming for own damage through your own insurance policy)

  2. Own Damage Knock for Knock (ODKFK Claim) - (claiming your own insurance for damage sustained your vehicle, without losing your No Claim Discount)

  3. Third Party Property Damage Claim (TPPD Claim) - (claiming against the other driver for damage sustained to your vehicle)

  4. Third Party Bodily Injury Claim (TPBI Claim) - (claiming by the injured party against the other driver for pain and suffering for bodily injuries and all expenses incurred by the injured as a result of the accident )