The first ten minutes after a car accident are the most important — and the most chaotic. You're likely shaken, possibly hurt, and trying to figure out a thousand things at once. But what you do (or don't do) in this small window can determine whether your insurance claim succeeds, whether you can hold the other driver accountable, and whether you walk away financially intact.
This is your minute-by-minute guide.
Minute 1–2: Stop, Breathe, and Check for Injuries
Stop your vehicle immediately. Driving away from an accident — even a minor one — is a criminal offence under the National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996).
Take a few deep breaths. Then check yourself, your passengers, and anyone else involved for injuries.
If anyone is seriously hurt:
- Call 10177 (national ambulance) or 112 (any phone, even without airtime)
- Do not move the injured person unless they're in immediate danger (fire, oncoming traffic)
- Stay on the line with the operator
Minute 2–3: Make the Scene Safe
If the vehicles are causing a hazard and can be moved:
- Switch on your hazard lights
- Move vehicles off the road only if it's safe and there are no serious injuries
- Place your warning triangle at least 45 metres behind your vehicle
If anyone is seriously injured or you suspect a major collision, leave the vehicles where they are until the police or emergency services arrive. Their position is critical evidence.
Minute 3–5: Call the Police
In South Africa, you must report any accident involving injury or property damage. Either:
- Wait for the police to attend the scene, or
- Report at your nearest police station within 24 hours
Call 10111 (SAPS) for police assistance. If you're on a major road, also alert traffic services or your provincial roads agency.
Get a case number before leaving the scene. You'll need it for your insurance, your attorney, and any Road Accident Fund (RAF) claim.
Minute 5–7: Document the Scene Properly
This is the step most people get wrong — and it's the one that determines whether you can prove your case later.
You need to capture:
- Wide-angle photos showing both vehicles' positions on the road
- Close-ups of all damage to both vehicles
- Skid marks, debris, and road markings
- Traffic signs, robots, weather, and lighting conditions
- Number plates clearly readable
This is exactly what VASA (Vehicle Accident Scene Assist) is built for. Instead of trying to remember everything in a panicked state, VASA walks you through the documentation step by step — so nothing critical is missed.
Minute 7–9: Get the Other Driver's Details
Exchange information with the other driver. You need:
- Full name and South African ID number
- Driver's licence number
- Contact number and address
- Vehicle registration number, make, and model
- Insurance company and policy number
If they refuse to provide these details, that's a criminal matter — note their licence plate and report it to the police immediately.
Also get witness details. An independent witness can be the difference between winning and losing your claim. Get their name and contact number before they drive away.
Minute 9–10: Don't Admit Fault — and Don't Sign Anything
Even if you think you might have been responsible, do not admit fault at the scene. You're shaken, you don't have all the facts, and your statement could be used against you later by the other party's insurer.
Stick to the facts. Describe what happened, but don't apologise or accept blame. That's for the insurers, attorneys, and (if necessary) the courts to decide based on evidence.
Don't sign any document the other driver hands you. If they want to claim something, they can do it through their insurer.
After the 10 Minutes: Your Next Steps
Once you've left the scene, your priorities are:
- Visit a doctor — even if you feel fine. Some injuries (like whiplash) only show up later, and a medical record is essential for any RAF claim.
- Report to the police station if officers didn't attend, and get your case number.
- Notify your insurer within their required timeframe (often 24–48 hours).
- Draft your formal written statement using Affidavit Assist — this gives you a professionally structured affidavit ready for insurers, the RAF, or court.
For a deeper dive into how accidents are handled in South Africa and what evidence you need to win your case, read: Motor Vehicle Accidents in South Africa: What You Need to Know and What You Need to Win.
Quick Checklist: The First 10 Minutes
✅ Stop and check for injuries ✅ Call 10177 / 112 if anyone is hurt ✅ Make the scene safe ✅ Call 10111 (SAPS) and get a case number ✅ Photograph everything (use VASA) ✅ Exchange driver details ✅ Get witness contact details ✅ Don't admit fault ✅ Don't sign anything
Emergency Numbers — Save These Now
- SAPS: 10111
- Ambulance (national): 10177
- Universal emergency: 112
- ER24: 084 124
- Netcare 911: 082 911