Report the accident (and gather evidence that matters for a NSW CTP claim)
What you do in the first hours and days after a crash can affect liability decisions and disputes later. This page explains practical evidence steps and the types of records insurers and the Personal Injury Commission commonly rely on.
1) Immediate safety and medical priorities
Your first priority is safety and medical care. Call emergency services where needed. Even if injuries seem minor, some symptoms develop over days.
Why it matters legally: early records often become key evidence about mechanism of injury, symptoms, and whether injury was caused by the accident.
2) Police reports and event numbers
Depending on circumstances, police may attend or you may need to report the accident. Keep a record of the event number, attending officers (if any), and any statements provided.
Where liability is disputed, insurers often rely on police narratives, statements, and diagrams. If there is an error, address it early where possible.
3) What to collect at the scene (if safe)
- Vehicle registration details and driver names/contacts
- Photographs of vehicles, damage, skid marks, signage, weather, lighting, and the intersection/road layout
- Witness names and phone numbers (independent witnesses are especially valuable)
- Dashcam/CCTV sources (nearby businesses, buses, traffic cameras where available)
Time limits can apply to obtaining CCTV. If footage exists, act quickly to request preservation.
4) Be careful with early fault admissions
It is common for people to apologise after a crash. However, early statements can later be treated as admissions. If you are unsure what happened, it is usually safer to describe what you observed rather than speculate.
If contributory negligence is alleged (for example, speed, seatbelt, distraction), the quality of early evidence can be decisive in a dispute.
5) Unidentified or uninsured vehicles
Special rules may apply if the at-fault vehicle is unidentified (hit-and-run) or uninsured. Early reporting and evidence is often critical in these matters. Get advice as soon as possible.
6) Next step: start the benefits application
After the accident is reported and evidence preserved, the usual next step is medical treatment and lodging the correct benefits application.
See: Seek medical treatment and Application for Personal Injury Benefits.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need to report every accident to police?
- It depends on the circumstances. Where police attend, keep the event number. Where police do not attend, reporting requirements can still apply. If in doubt, get advice and keep written records of what you did and when.
- What evidence is most important for liability?
- Independent witnesses, photographs of the scene, dashcam/CCTV, vehicle positions and damage, and consistent early accounts are commonly important. The weight depends on the circumstances.
- Can an apology be used against me?
- Early statements can be relied on in disputes. It is safer to be factual and avoid speculation if you are uncertain.
- What if the other driver leaves the scene?
- Report the matter promptly, gather witness details and any CCTV sources, and get advice quickly because additional requirements may apply to unidentified vehicle claims.
- Should I get dashcam footage?
- If footage exists, preserve it immediately and request copies from any sources before it is overwritten.