Costly Mistakes Motorists Make After Causing Accidents

Multiple car accident in a Rift Valley Highway on Sunday, September 18, 2022.
Multiple car accident in a Rift Valley Highway on Sunday, September 18, 2022.
File

Accidents are common on Kenyan roads, and the increasing number of crashes has always been blamed on human errors. 

While accidents are not planned for, there are standard practices that should be observed by motorists after being involved in carnages. 

Nonetheless, more often than not, motorists often make mistakes after causing accidents which can even affect their insurance.

Fleeing Accident Scene 

 

A police officer engages a motorist during the NTSA crackdown on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.
A police officer engages a motorist during the NTSA crackdown on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.
Twitter

The most common mistake motorists make after causing accidents is fleeing the scene. In most cases, people run away from taking responsibility, and for fear of engaging the police. 

Some lack valid insurance covers and hence are scared of a date with law enforcers and the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA). 

However, motorists are advised to stay at the scene of the accident for proper documentation purposes by the police. This also helps when filing an insurance claim.

It is also courteous to ensure that the other party is safe and calls for medical attention if necessary.

Failing to Seek Medical Attention

Accidents can not only be traumatising, but they can also cause bodily harm.

Despite a motorist considering an accident as minor, it is important that they seek medical attention to ensure that they have not incurred any internal injuries.

Unknown to many, internal bleeding can be dangerous hence the need to be checked by a medical practitioner. 

Some of the internal injuries that can occur in accidents include broken bones and concussions.

Failing to Involve the Police

It is common practice for motorists to report accidents to the police. This is usually for documentation purposes, as police reports are needed by insurance companies while processing claims.

A road sign displaying an accident sign.
A road sign displaying an accident sign.
Photo
India.com

Involving the police is also important as it helps restore traffic flow and aids curb chaos as a driver may be attacked by a rowdy crowd. 

Failing to Inform the Insurance Company

Motorists are urged to always report to their insurance provider once an accident occurred. This helps in the processing of claims.

It is also important to document how the accident occurred to have facts surrounding it.

Some of the things motorists are advised to document are the time of the accident, the place and a brief of what happened.

Making Roadside Settlement

More often than not, motorists settle to pay the other motorists for damages to avoid involving the police in the matter.

Involving the police is important as it can help ascertain who caused the accident. 

In some instances, the police can rescue you from being scammed by the other motorist. 

  • . . .