Anytime you head out for a drive, there are some key things you can do to make your journey just that little bit safer.
Top tips to make your journey safer
Car accidents can bring on a lot of stress and anxiety - it’s traumatic and overwhelming, and you’re probably not sure what your rights are. As the not at fault driver, you’ll be right. We’ve put together a round up of some key information that you need to know. Not sure what to do after your accident? - contact us, we’ll help you.
What are your rights as the not at fault driver?
If the other driver is deemed at fault, then you have the right to claim for compensation to cover the costs associated with the accident - this includes the cost of repairing your car, the cost of your accident replacement car while your car is being repaired, as well as other costs which you may incur as a result of the car accident.
What details do you need after the accident?
We’ve covered this in detail previously, but here is a quick round up. You need to make sure that you gather all of the details of the other driver or drivers involved - information such as their name, address, registration details, name of their insurer and car details.
Compulsory third party insurance and what it means
Compulsory Third Party insurance (CTP) or ‘greenslip’, as it’s most commonly known as in NSW, is required by all in Australia - this insurance provides the driver cover for any legal liability for injury and death as a result of an accident for which the insured is responsible.
What's the process you should follow if you were not at fault?
Ideally, you should contact our team on our dedicated accident support line immediately following your car accident. We’ll be able to assist you from the very beginning - what information you need to gather, helping you get your damaged car to a repair yard - right until you get your newly repaired car back, and everything in between!
Let Carbiz handle things for you – we offer full-service end-to-end accident management. Our team services the greater Sydney area.
Nobody plans for an accident - the damage to your car, potential injuries and insurance claims can all put a damper on your confidence. Getting back to your normal life can take time - as you wait for your car to get repaired or to hear back on your insurance claim.
If you haven’t called Carbiz immediately after your accident, then you will probably be left watching your car being towed away thinking “what now”. How are you going to get to work on Monday morning - or help with lift club on Thursday?
As the not at fault driver you have the right to drive. You may have the right to a hire car with the costs covered by the at fault driver. Our team will help you with your claim - and we’ll help you get back on the road as quickly as possible with a like for like accident replacement vehicle.
Accident replacement cars help you get back to normal as quickly as possible - we know that you’re busy with life. Not my fault? We’ll help you by:
So while you make sure you and your family are safe and sound following a car accident that wasn’t your fault, we’ll help you by:
Contact the team at Carbiz, we’ll help you.
We often fall into the trap of driving in “auto pilot” - becoming complacent about things around us that we should ideally be alert to when driving. Accidents happen - and there are many reasons why. But lowering your risk of an accident that is not your fault can be done by keeping an eye out for these everyday hazards.
Here are a few things to be alert of
Excessive speeding
Speeding, even by a few kph, can quickly escalate into a dangerous situation. Speeding - by either you or other drivers - can lead to mistakes.
Not enough following distance
Tailgating is particularly dangerous as it takes away your ability to make any last minute changes in speed. If you find yourself tailgating another car, take a minute and pull back. If, however, you are the one being tailgated, consider giving the other driver an opportunity to overtake.
Distracted driving
Driving while distracted happens frequently! The obvious distractions include busying yourself on your cell phone, eating or even putting on makeup, but are you aware of the less obvious distractions? From being fully engaged while listening to your favourite podcast to having a deep conversation with a passenger, As the driver, it’s important to keep your focus on the road.
Potholes or debris in the road
Poor road conditions can lead to dangerous situations. Be sure to keep an eye on the road ahead when driving - particularly out of town and on unfamiliar roads.
Not at fault in a car accident? Contact our team, we’ll help you
If you haven’t been driving much over the last couple of weeks, then it may be time to do some quick checks before you drive off.
Oil
While your car shouldn’t be leaking oil, a standing car can lead to new problems. Before taking a long drive, be sure to check on your oil. Something that should be checked regularly, your oil level is important to maintain. Be sure to check your manufacturer’s handbook for the exact details for your car.
Fuel
While it may seem obvious, it’s important to check your fuel level! After being stuck at home for a couple of weeks, you may have just forgotten if a trip to the gas station is necessary.
Tyre pressure
Did you know that not driving is worse for your tyre pressure than a regular day to day routine? Remember to check your tyre pressure at the same time as you fill up.
Water levels
From your coolant levels to your wiper fluid levels, it's a good idea to regularly check these. Overheated cars are quite common here at home, so make sure to double-check these levels before heading on your journey.
Lights
Things to check in regards to your lights include checking for any cracks, making sure no bulbs have blown or are weirdly dim and giving the lights a good clean.
These quick safety checks are just another step in keeping you safer on the road. Need help after a car accident? Contact our team, we’ll help you.
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.
Sliding, slipping or aqua-planning are all possible during wet and rainy weather - even the most advanced drivers can be tested should the conditions be very bad. Vision is generally impaired when it rains, from mist and fog to other drivers not paying attention.
Accidents happen, but they are most likely to occur when driving conditions are affected. Rainy weather? Here are a few tips on how you can be safer on the roads.
Experience and confidence
Experience will bring confidence when driving in the rain. Experience can come from driving many hours in similar conditions, or it comes from learning about how to drive in similar conditions such as in the case of taking an advanced driving course.
Avoid using cruise control
In wet weather, it’s best to have full control of your car’s speed and braking. While it’s a hot topic of debate, it may just be safer to skip cruise control in wet weather.
Regularly check your windscreen wipers
Did you know that you should replace your wipers regularly? Especially in our sunny climate, it’s important to make sure that your wipers are maintained. Don’t get caught off guard when that rain hits.
Use your lights
Reduced visibility due to rainy weather can be dangerous. Besides helping yourself to see the road, your lights will help other drivers see your car.
Not at fault drivers have the right to drive. Being entitled to get back on the road as quickly as possible with a like for like accident replacement car - with all of the costs covered by the driver at fault. And as the not at fault driver, the costs covered should cover a like for like accident replacement car - similar to your own. So as unfortunate as a car accident is, there is a silver lining.
Are you a soccer mom with many afternoon errands? Like for like means that you won’t get stuck with a mini budget hatchback - but rather, you’ll get an accident replacement vehicle similar to your own. There are some other reasons why getting a like for like accident replacement car is a great idea
Time to get used to your accident replacement car
After a car accident it can be difficult getting back on the road - your emotions are probably up in the air. The last thing you need is hours of time to learn a new car. From a different driving position to a different set of car ‘gadgets’ to learn.
Comfort and confidence
Driving a new car can bring anxiety. Securing a like for like accident replacement car can bring you comfort and confidence in getting behind the wheel again. The last thing you need is anxiety and potentially another accident!
Meeting your daily requirements
Do you normally drive a sporty city runabout or are you a SUV driver who needs the extra boot space for that monthly grocery haul? Like for like means that we’ll help you with an accident replacement vehicle that meets your needs while your car is getting fixed. So if your SUV has been damaged in an accident that was not your fault, then contact us - we’ll help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.