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If your car needed to be repaired following a car accident then you’re not alone! Many people have to get their cars fixed after an accident - even when the accident was not their fault. So if you weren't able to drive your car at all or if you took it in for a thorough inspection following the accident, here are some crucial checks to make before driving off.

Check your airbag lights

Airbags can save your life in the event of an accident - but they also need to be replaced after an accident to ensure that they will work again on impact. Be sure to double check that no airbag lights are going off as this could indicate that something isn't quite right and should be addressed before driving off.

Ask about the torque

Any replacement of suspension parts should be torqued according to your car's manufacturer specifications. Improper assembly can lead to poor handling and performance - and can be very dangerous. Ask your repair workshop about what procedure was followed and what torque specifications were used.

Spare parts

Many repair shops use aftermarket or even used parts to repair damaged vehicles as a way to save money. Ask for more information about what parts were used in repairing your vehicle and if you are seeking original manufacturer parts then be sure to speak up before proceeding with the repair.

Alignment

Car accidents can often mess with the alignment of a car. This can affect driving - where the car pulls to one side or the other, or can result in tyres worn unevenly. It’s important to ask if the alignment was checked and if there was any damage to the frame of your vehicle.

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you

Getting caught in an accident can happen at any time - it’s the risk you take every time you head off on a car ride. Did you know that if you’re not at fault, then you have the right to drive - most people don’t know this fact and it can leave you out of pocket following an accident that you had no fault in causing. Knowing what to do and who to call immediately following an accident can really help in the moment - here are a couple of things to remember should you find yourself in an accident. 

Take a moment to breathe

Any car accident can take you off guard. It’s important to take a quick moment immediately following the accident to breathe and regain your composure. Accidents can have different effects on different people - some can get really scared and want to flee or avoid confrontation, while others can get really aggressive and angry. All are normal responses to stress, however, it's important to realise that in the moment it’s best to stay as calm as possible and deal with the situation at hand.

Check if anyone needs urgent medical attention

Before getting out of your vehicle, be sure to check on yourself and your passengers to see if anyone needs urgent medical assistance. If anyone at the accident scene is in need to help, it's important to call 000.

Gather evidence

Once you know that everyone is either fine - or taken care of - the next step is to start gathering the details of the drivers involved as well as any evidence of the car accident. We’ve shared a full list of things you need to consider collecting while at the accident scene here but things you should consider include finding witnesses, collecting dashcam footage and taking pictures of the vehicles involved.

Call Carbiz

Our team is just a call away - you can call us anytime on our dedicated accident support line and we’ll help you.

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you

Car accidents can be stressful not only right away, but also in the days - and possibly even weeks - following. We’ve covered what you should do in the moments immediately following your car accident, but have you considered what you should be doing in the days after? If you’ve been involved in a car accident that was not your fault then read on!

File your insurance claim - not at fault

If you’re working with Carbiz, we’ll do this on your behalf with the right people. This needs to be done in the days following your accident and you will need to provide all the details of the other driver, who was at fault, to the team. You will also need to provide an accurate account of what happened in the car accident as well as the appropriate evidence. This will help your case and ensure a successful claim. While your vehicle is in the shop getting fixed, our team will also assist in getting you back on the road in a like for like accident replacement vehicle. After all, in Australia, if you weren’t at fault then you have the right to drive - this means that the driver who was at fault is liable for the costs associated with the accident (we’ve written more about how this works in other posts!).

Process the event

It’s important to properly process the car accident and how you may be feeling afterwards. Some people experience stress and anxiety following a car accident, others struggle to confidently drive around town. What you’re feeling is normal and if you need help to process the traumatic event then you should reach out to the professionals for assistance.

Enjoy your accident replacement vehicle

We know you’ve got life to get back to - and this is easy when you’re driving around town in your like for like accident replacement loan vehicle.

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you

What's the first thing that comes to mind when you think about car accidents? The stress involved in any car accident can take anyone off guard - and for most people, this stress lives with them for months after the car accident. If you haven’t been in a car accident where your car has been so badly damaged that you were unable to drive it, then imagine the stress of now having to organise a tow company to get your car safely to a repair shop. Now imagine this at night and as the not at fault driver! Tough luck!

The good news is that if you’re not at fault, then we’re here to help you. Read on - because some companies may be out to get you when you’re already stressed from the accident.

Work with the right team

So you’ve discovered that your car is not in a great condition to drive - it’s safer to rather call in for a tow, but who do you call? There are so many conflicting opinions - should you call your buddy who can maybe help, or should you call your insurer? The best option, especially if the accident was not your fault, is to call our team. We specialise in helping our clients in these situations - if you’re not at fault, then you have the right to drive. The costs associated with any damage (including towing and your accident replacement loan car) are for the at fault driver’s account - so it’s best to work with Carbiz from the start.

Don’t let anyone tow your car

There are stories about some car towing companies taking advantage of people after a car accident - it’s important to not let your car get towed by someone you don’t trust. Our team will find a trusted partner to tow your car.

Understand the fine print

Often, the terms and conditions are never clearly communicated - we’ve simplified our process and if you have any questions then be sure to ask our friendly team members, they’re more than happy to help!

What you need to know about New South Wales towing rules and regulations

The accident towing industry is regulated in Australia at a state level. Here are the rules and regulations for NSW:

• Fees are regulated.
• You can contact anyone you want before signing the authorisation form.
• You can decide who tows your vehicle, and to where.
• Make sure the tow truck driver has an accredited driver certificate.
• Towing companies aren't allowed to offer any services other than towing.
• Touting for repairs and kickbacks like spotter's fees are illegal.
• Accident towing trucks should have a 'TT' number plate with four numbers before the 'TT' – such as '1234-TT'.

We’re available 24/7

Just give us a call on our dedicated accident support line - whenever you have an accident, we’ll help you!

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you

There’s no doubt in the matter - car accidents can land up costing you money, and often, lots of money needs to be shelled out for repair work, hire cars and time needed to sort out the admin that goes on behind the scenes. Getting back to normal day to day life can be challenging in the weeks - and even often months - following a car accident. But if you are not at fault, then it shouldn’t be! If you’re not at fault, then all you need is the right team by your side.

And what's more - if you’re involved in an accident that was not your fault, then you shouldn’t be worried about the costs!

Not many are aware of your right to drive following an accident that was not your fault. In Australia, if the accident was caused by the other driver, then they (or their insurance company) are liable for the costs associated with the accident. These costs can, amongst other things, include the cost to repair your (now) damaged vehicle as well as cover the costs for an accident replacement vehicle that is similar to your own.

So why does it matter?

When you’re reeling from a car accident, the stress about the costs can be a major disruption to most people’s lives. The right to drive ensures that you’re able to get back on the road as quickly as possible. A like for like accident replacement car can help you to get back to life as normal, without worrying about the bill - as this will go to the party at fault! 

Having the right team to help you

Our team is available to help you when you need it most! We offer end to end accident management services. From the moment you call us we’ll be able to assist you with towing your vehicle to the nearest repair yard all the way to managing your insurance claim on your behalf - all you need to do is provide the full details of the driver who was at fault.

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you

Ever wondered how to take the stress out of a car accident that wasn’t even your fault? Work with the right team! Yes you heard right - the best way to get through possibly one of the most stressful situations in your life is to work with the right team. At Carbiz, we’ll help you. Here’s how.

24/7 accident support line

Our team is ready and available to help you any time of the day. It’s as easy as giving us a quick call on our dedicated accident support line. We’ll help you! Our team offers accident replacement vehicles in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Easy application process

We’ve simplified the application process to make things easier for you. You can either apply directly online or with our team. What’s better than knowing you won’t be filling out paperwork for days! All you need to provide for your not at fault insurance claim are the full details of the driver who was at fault. Our experienced consultants are also able to assist you in determining which driver was at fault, so if you’re unsure, just give us a call - we’ll help you!

Local team - we’ll help you!

Our team is based right here in Australia! We also offer our services in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide.

Like for like accident replacement vehicle

It’s important to us that your needs and expectations are met. As the driver not at fault, you may be entitled to an accident replacement vehicle at no cost - and the vehicle that is covered should be similar to your own. Having a like for like accident replacement vehicle just makes sense right?

Insurance claim management

Our experienced team is ready to handle your claim on your behalf!

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you

While no two car accidents will ever be the same, there are often similar events that happen in the run up to the point of collision. And if you’re not at fault, then you’ve probably experienced a car accident similar to one of these. 

Fault in a car accident can sometimes be tricky to determine, if you’ve been in a car accident and are not at fault, then speak to an expert at Carbiz as soon as possible. 

Types of car accidents that we often see

Driving at speed and losing control

Many car accidents are caused by drivers speeding and being generally reckless. If a driver is speeding and suddenly loses control of their vehicle, they may hit other cars before coming to a stop. It’s important to remain calm in this situation and wait until the at fault driver’s car comes to a complete stop before getting out of your vehicle. If you’re not at fault, remember to call our team at Carbiz as soon as possible - we’ll be able to help you with what to do next.

Rear end car accident

Car accidents often happen when a car hits your car from behind. If another car rear ends your car and you are not at fault, then you have a claim. The at fault driver, or their insurance company, will be liable for the costs associated with the car accident. 

Running traffic lights

These accidents also happen frequently where a driver decides to drive through a red light and hits another car who had right of way. So the next time you are in an intersection, take a moment to observe your surroundings - while some of these accidents are unavoidable, it may just be a time where you can brake to avoid the collision.

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you

Any car accident can give your self confidence a real knock - especially if you’re not at fault. So once you’ve got your hands on a like for like accident replacement car, what can you do to start rebuilding your driving confidence? 

How to find driving confidence after an accident 

Drive a car you’re comfortable in

Driving a car that's similar to your own car will help make things easier. A car of a similar size and with similar features will up your confidence immediately and help you to adapt to driving again - be sure to ask for a like for like accident replacement vehicle. 

Stop blaming yourself

Accidents happen - and if you were not at fault then it’s likely that there was nothing you could have done to prevent the accident. Blaming yourself is unnecessary and is unlikely to change the situation. 

Take a friend on a drive

Having good company on your first couple of drives after your accident can help restore your confidence and faith in your abilities. A friend will be able to be there for moral support and comfort, especially if you’re feeling vulnerable.

Talk to someone

It’s important to open up to a professional if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the car accident. Don’t keep your stress and anxiety to yourself, but rather take the time to seek help when you need it. Car accidents can be very traumatic for most people, and it isn’t something you should feel the need to hide. If you’re not at fault, you might feel anger towards the other driver or even scared to drive again - what you’re feeling is normal and it’s time to speak to someone who can help you process your feelings.

Need help after a car accident? We’ll help you 

1300 889 256