Emotions to expect after a car accident

There are many forms of shock that follow a car accident - the initial shock of the event is often followed by the shock of the trauma. This later shock can occur any time, from moments after the car accident to hours or even days after.
It's completely normal for anyone involved in a car crash to feel emotional afterwards - any number of different emotions can be felt, all of which are normal and it's important to know that it’s ok to seek help to manage it.
Even smaller bumper bashes can trigger emotional trauma. Trauma can take shape in the form of nightmares, fear, aggression or even unwanted weight-loss. Recovery from mental trauma can be difficult - and sometimes you will need to seek help. Some of the emotional effects can include:
Denial or disbelief
It’s normal for denial or disbelief to set in following a car accident. Emotions can be different for everyone, but common signs include feeling numb to the situation, emotional distress or feeling afraid when talking about it.
Anger or irritability
Many people feel anger after an accident - perhaps you were not at fault, but it’s normal for a rush of anger to take over. Perhaps you are angry at the other driver or even at the situation as a whole. While it’s easy to take anger or irritability out on other people, it’s healthier to rather take a few deep breaths and calm yourself down in the heat of the moment. Your feelings are a normal and valid part of a stressful situation, but it’s important to remember that you don’t need to act upon the feelings.
Guilt or shame
Guilt or shame following an accident are also very common emotions. Perhaps you feel that you could have avoided the car accident, and have thoughts of “what I could have done differently”. However, accidents happen.
Anxiety or fear
Not at fault drivers often deal with residual anxiety or fear following their accidents. Symptoms of anxiety can include, but aren’t limited to, worrying; inability to sleep or relax; or feeling irritable.

For further information after a crash, read about injuries that may not be immediately visible and the difference between medical shock and emotional distress.

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What To Do If Someone Hits Your Parked Car

Coming back to find your parked car damaged is never fun, but knowing how to respond correctly can save you time, money and stress.

Firstly, understand that getting upset is natural, but taking a deep breath will help you make better decisions. Examine your car thoroughly and document any visible damage, taking multiple photos from different angles, including close-ups of dents, scratches or broken parts, and capturing the surrounding area, such as road signs and markings, for context.

Next, see if you can locate the driver responsible. Sometimes, people leave a note with their contact information and insurance details. If there’s no note, look for witnesses nearby who may have seen what happened. You can also check for CCTV from nearby businesses, homes or on the street, as some areas have coverage. If you’re unsure, consider contacting the local council to find out whether cameras are in place that might have captured the accident.

If the driver didn’t leave a note, or if they did but are unresponsive or the information they provided seems incorrect, contact the police to report the accident and provide all the information you have, including photos, footage and witness statements. Be sure to request a copy of the police report, as it can be useful when dealing with insurance.

If you’re still having a hard time getting a hold of the at-fault driver and therefore cannot claim directly through their car insurer, it’s time to lodge a claim with your own insurance provider, if you have one. Provide them with as much information as possible, including the police report. From there, your insurer can determine whether your coverage, along with the information you have, will cover the damage to your car.

If your car insurer happens to find information about the at-fault driver and is able to have them lodge a claim so the costs of the damage are recoverable, you can contact Carbiz for a replacement car while your car is being repaired or until it’s been deemed a total loss. This ensures you’re not left without a car during this time, giving you peace of mind and the ability to keep your life moving.

For help organising your next steps, read our car accident insurance claim checklist and explore accident replacement vehicle options.

What It Means When Your Car Is Declared A Write-Off After An Accident

Updated 6 October 2026.

When an insurer declares a car a write-off, it has assessed the vehicle as a total loss under the policy. The damage may make repairs unsafe, or the cost of repairing the car may make a repair uneconomical. A write-off does not always mean the car is visibly destroyed.

How is a write-off decision made?

The assessment can take account of the vehicle's value, repair costs, salvage value and the policy terms. There is no single repair-cost percentage that determines every write-off across Australia. Ask the insurer for its assessment and the basis for its decision.

A total-loss insurance decision and a vehicle's written-off registration category are related but different matters. Whether a car can return to the road depends on the damage classification and the rules of the relevant state or territory.

Statutory and repairable write-offs

Statutory write-off: the vehicle meets specified damage criteria and cannot be re-registered for road use.
Repairable write-off: repairs may be technically possible, but the vehicle has been assessed as uneconomical to repair. This label does not itself authorise repairs or guarantee re-registration.

Requirements vary across Australia. In NSW, an eligible written-off light vehicle needs an Authorisation to Repair from Transport for NSW before work begins. Only limited applications are considered, and vehicles with statutory write-off damage are excluded. Approval, compliant repairs and the required inspections are separate steps.

What happens to your insurance payout?

The settlement depends on your cover and circumstances. It may be based on an agreed value, a market value or a replacement-vehicle benefit if your policy provides one. An excess, outstanding premium or finance arrangements may affect the amount you receive. Ask for a written breakdown before accepting the settlement.

Keep the assessment, photographs, policy documents and correspondence together. If you disagree with the valuation, provide relevant evidence and use the insurer's complaints process. See AAMI's explanation of total-loss claims for an insurer's example; your own policy determines your cover.

Getting around after a not-at-fault accident

If you need a replacement vehicle, tell Carbiz that your car has been declared a write-off. Eligibility, vehicle availability, the hire period and the terms of the agreement need to be confirmed for your circumstances. A write-off does not automatically entitle everyone to unlimited hire.

Contact Carbiz to discuss your accident replacement vehicle options. For a practical checklist, read what to do after receiving a write-off decision.

29 May 2020