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Sheen Resources
If you've crashed your car, chances are it's pretty difficult to remain levelheaded. In fact, it's pretty hard to avoid swearing your head off or jumping out of your car to swear at the other person involved! You probably already know that neither of these things is going to be particularly helpful.
If you’re involved in a car crash, it can be hard to stay calm, but knowing what to do makes all the difference. Follow these three simple steps to stay safe: exchange details at the crash site, and organise a tow or car insurance claim so you can get your car fixed quickly.
BITRE reports that thousands of car accidents occur in Victoria every year, leading to more than 3,000 fatalities and over 230,000 injuries. Here’s a simple three-step action plan after a car accident, from checking for injuries to gathering evidence and arranging smash repairs.
Step 1: Check for injuries after a car accident
After a car crash, the first priority is safety. Check if anyone is injured and call emergency services on triple zero (000) for police or an ambulance if needed. Even in a minor car accident, it’s essential to switch on your hazard lights, keep everyone safe, and move your vehicle off the road if possible.
If there are injuries, death, or significant property damage, you must report the crash to the police so they can assign an event number. This number is critical for your car insurance claim and any accident compensation later. If required, police may also attend the crash scene to investigate.
Step 2: Exchange details and gather evidence at the crash site
Once everyone is safe, the next step after a car accident is to gather information for your insurance claim. At the crash site, exchange details with all drivers involved, including their name, address, driver’s licence number, vehicle registration number, and insurance information. Make sure you also get the contact details of any witnesses.
Take photos of the scene of the accident, the vehicles involved, and any property damage. This evidence will be invaluable when you make a car insurance claim or if there are disputes about who was at fault. Even if it’s a minor vehicular accident, it’s important to document everything carefully.
In Australia, some accidents must be reported to the police, especially those involving injury, death, or significant property damage. Ask the attending officer for a police report number, which you’ll need for your insurer.
Step 3: Call Sheen for towing and smash repairs
After a crash, once you’ve gathered details, the next priority is organising a tow truck and planning how to repair your crashed car. If your motor vehicle can’t be driven safely, you must call a tow truck driver to tow your vehicle to a repairer. In Victoria, only licensed operators can attend the crash scene, so make sure you deal with authorised providers.
Sheen is recognised among Melbourne’s best repairers, trusted for expert panel beating, towing, and repairs across leading brands such as Toyota, Hyundai, and Mazda. More importantly, Sheen offers 24/7 towing services, so you don’t have to worry about arranging multiple providers or delays. We can move your vehicle directly to one of our repair shops and even provide an accident replacement vehicle so you’re not left without transport.
Following an accident, you’ll also need to make an insurance claim. Our team helps you upload photos, file paperwork, and quickly file a claim with your insurance company. We liaise with major insurance companies, making the process smoother, whether you have third-party or comprehensive car insurance.
With Sheen, you can focus on getting back on the road while we handle your panel beating repairs, towing, and replacement car.
Summary of what to do after a car crash
Reporting a car accident in Australian states
If you’re involved in a road accident in Australia, the reporting requirements vary depending on the state. Knowing when to report the crash is essential for legal compliance and car insurance policies.
- NSW: You must report a traffic crash to police by calling 131 444 if there is a death or injury, a tow truck is required, or a driver fails to exchange details. Police may also attend the crash scene if necessary.
- QLD: You must report a crash to police if someone is injured, if there is major vehicle damage, or if the location of the accident causes hazards. The QLD Police online system allows you to file a police report number after the incident.
- VIC: According to VicRoads, you need to report accidents involving property damage, injury, or death. If a motor vehicle needs to be towed, it must be done by a licensed tow truck driver.
A minor car crash without injuries may not always need police assistance, but you should still report the incident to your insurer and keep a record of the crash. If you’re unsure, seek legal advice or check with local authorities.
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How to get your car fixed after an accident
Dealing with a car crash is stressful, but once you’ve followed the steps to stay safe, gather details, and report the crash, the next question is how to fix your car after an accident. Sheen can help with towing, insurance support, and panel beating repairs, whether it's a minor car accident or a major road accident.
We work directly with major insurance companies so you can quickly make an insurance claim or claim with your company. Our team ensures all insurance products are processed smoothly, whether you have third-party or comprehensive car insurance. Our assessments and quotes are completely independent, with no obligation to proceed. If you prefer, we can also negotiate with your insurer directly so you don’t have to manage complex claims on your own.
With more than 50 years of experience serving Melbourne drivers, and workshops across Victoria, Sheen has built a long-standing reputation for getting vehicles back on the road quickly and safely. We’re proud VACC members, meaning every repair meets strict industry standards for safety and workmanship.
At Sheen, we repair crashed cars and restore them to pre-accident condition with genuine parts, a lifetime guarantee, and accredited panel-beating services. If your vehicle is damaged beyond repair, we’ll arrange for a licensed tow truck and provide an accident replacement vehicle so you can get your car back on the road sooner.
Upload your smash to get a fast quote and immediate support. Wherever you’re located across Victoria, there’s a Sheen workshop ready to help after a crash.
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FAQs: Steps to follow after a car crash
Do I need to call the police after a car crash?
Yes. If you’re involved in a car accident that causes injury, death, or major property damage, you must call the police. In some states like NSW and QLD, you also need to report a traffic crash to police if a tow truck is required or drivers fail to exchange details.
What should I do after a minor car accident?
In a minor car accident, switch on your hazard lights, make sure everyone is safe, and collect details from all parties involved. Take photos at the crash site and note the licence and registration information. Even if it’s a small incident, this helps with your car insurance claim later.
How do I get my car repaired after a road accident?
After a road accident, you may need a licensed tow truck to move it off the road and take it to a repairer. Once you’re safe, contact your insurer to make a claim. At Sheen, we liaise with insurance companies, arrange repairs, and provide replacement vehicles so you can get back on the road faster.
Can I get legal advice after being involved in the accident?
Yes. If you’re involved in a crash and unsure of your rights, seek legal advice. Lawyers can explain how car insurance policies apply, what to do if insurance companies investigate crashes, and how insurance helps with accident compensation.
