Do I have to call the police after a car accident in Australia?

Call Triple Zero (000) if anyone is injured or there is a hazard. Outside emergencies, you must report to police if: anyone is injured, the other driver fails to exchange details, you suspect drink or drug driving, or property damage exceeds the state threshold (often $3,000+). Call 131 444 for non-emergency police assistance in NSW; other states have similar non-emergency lines.

What details do I need to exchange after a car accident?

By law you must exchange: full name, address, vehicle registration, insurance details, and contact phone. If practical, also exchange driver's licence numbers, take photos of damage and the scene, and note the time, location and weather conditions. If the other driver is uncooperative, leave the scene only after notifying police.

Should I admit fault at the scene?

No. Don't admit fault, apologise excessively, or speculate about causes at the scene. Stick to facts: what happened, when, where. Many accidents have contributing factors that aren't obvious in the moment, road conditions, signage, mechanical issues, the other driver's actions. Fault is determined later based on full evidence.

Should I see a doctor even if I feel fine?

Yes, ideally within 24 to 48 hours. Adrenaline often masks injury symptoms after an accident, especially soft tissue injuries that emerge days later. A medical record from the day of (or close to) the accident is critical evidence for any future personal injury claim. Tell the doctor exactly what happened.

When should I contact a personal injury lawyer?

If you've been injured (even minor), contact a personal injury lawyer within the first few weeks. Time limits apply: NSW CTP claims must be lodged within 3 months, Queensland has the 9-month / 1-month rule, Victoria's TAC has 12 months. Most lawyers offer free initial consultations and work no-win-no-fee.

Do I need to tell my own insurer if I was at fault?

Yes. Most policies require notification within 14 to 30 days. Failing to notify can void coverage. Notification is separate from any personal injury claim, those are made against the at-fault driver's CTP insurer (or the no-fault scheme insurer).

Claim guide · Reviewed 4 May 2026

What to do after a car accident in Australia (first 24 hours)

A clear step-by-step for the most stressful 24 hours of your year. Police, medical, exchange of details, insurer notification, and when to see a lawyer. Reviewed by Australian-admitted personal injury solicitors.

1. If anyone is hurt, call Triple Zero (000)

Call 000 for an ambulance if anyone is injured, no matter how minor. Many serious injuries (concussion, internal bleeding, spinal damage) don't show obvious symptoms in the first minutes. Get a paramedic on scene. Call 000 also for fire or significant hazards (leaking fuel, blocked main roads).

2. Move to safety if you can

If your vehicle is drivable and you're not seriously hurt, move it off the carriageway. Turn on hazard lights. If you can't move it, set up a warning triangle (if you have one) at a safe distance and stay clear of traffic. Don't stand between vehicles.

3. Call police if required

Police must be called if: anyone is injured, the other driver fails to exchange details, you suspect drink or drug driving, there is significant property damage (typically $3,000+), or there is a hazard you cannot manage. Use 000 for emergencies, or call your state's non-emergency line (131 444 in NSW). Get the police event/report number, you'll need it for any claim.

4. Exchange details, the right way

Full name and home address.
Vehicle registration number.
Insurance company name and policy number.
Contact phone number.
Driver's licence number (where possible).

Take photos of the other vehicle's licence plate, the driver's licence, and any insurance card. Don't admit fault at the scene; stick to neutral facts.

5. Document the scene

Photographs are the single best evidence in any future claim. Take wide shots and close-ups of: damage to all vehicles, the position of vehicles on the road, skid marks, debris, traffic signs and signals, weather and road conditions, your injuries (if visible). Note the time, exact location, and weather. Note details of any witnesses (name, phone). CCTV from nearby businesses is often only kept for 7 to 14 days, ask quickly.

6. See a doctor within 24 to 48 hours

Even if you "feel fine", see your GP. Adrenaline masks pain and many soft-tissue injuries (whiplash, back strain) emerge over days. The medical record from your visit is critical evidence if you later claim. Tell the doctor exactly what happened, what hit what, what you felt, what symptoms you've noticed.

7. Notify your insurer

Most policies require notification within 14 to 30 days, even if you weren't at fault. Failing to notify can void coverage. Notification is separate from a personal injury claim, those are made against the at-fault driver's CTP insurer (or the no-fault scheme insurer in Vic, Tas, NT).

8. Lodge your CTP / personal injury claim

Time limits are strict and vary by state:

NSW: 3 months to lodge a CTP claim, with police reported within 28 days.
QLD: 9 months from accident or 1 month from first consulting a lawyer (whichever is earlier).
Victoria (TAC): 12 months for full backdated benefits.
WA (ICWA): 3 years general limitation.
SA: 6 months.
TAS (MAIB): 12 months.
NT (MAC): 12 months.
ACT (MAI): 13 weeks for defined benefits.

9. Speak to a personal injury lawyer

If you've been injured, even minor injuries, get free legal advice early. Most personal injury lawyers offer free initial consultations and work no-win-no-fee. The earlier you speak to a specialist, the better your evidence preservation, claim valuation, and process management. Take the 60-second eligibility check and we'll match you with a lawyer in your state.