What to Do After Car Accident | Bendigo Smash Repairs

Step 1: Prioritise Safety and Move to a Safe Location

The first 30 minutes after a car accident are critical—how you respond can mean the difference between a smooth repair experience and unnecessary complications.

Your immediate priority is ensuring the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other road users. If your vehicle is driveable and you're not injured, carefully move it out of traffic to the side of the road or a nearby safe area. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers, and turn off your engine to prevent fire risk.

If your vehicle cannot be safely moved, or if anyone is injured, remain in your vehicle with seatbelts fastened and call emergency services (000) straight away. Do not attempt to move injured passengers. Once you've confirmed everyone is safe and emergency services are on the way if needed, take a moment to breathe—staying calm will help you handle the next steps more effectively.

Step 2: Call the Police and Document the Scene

If there are injuries, significant damage, or the other driver is uncooperative, call the police on 000. Even for minor accidents, it's wise to contact the non-emergency police line to file a report, as this creates an official record that helps with insurance claims. Ask the attending officer for the incident report number.

While waiting for police or immediately after ensuring safety, begin documenting the scene. Use your phone to take clear photos of all vehicle damage from multiple angles, the accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Capture wide shots showing vehicle positions and close-ups of damage. This visual evidence is invaluable for your insurance claim and repair process.

Step 3: Gather Information and Contact Details

Exchange details with the other driver(s) involved. Collect their name, phone number, address, driver's licence number, vehicle registration, insurance company name, and policy number. If there are witnesses, politely ask for their contact details and a brief account of what they saw. Write this information down clearly—don't rely on memory.

Take photos of the other driver's licence, registration plate, and insurance documents. Note the time, date, location, weather conditions, and road conditions. Get the police report number and the name of the attending officer. All this information will be essential when you contact your insurer and when you bring your vehicle to Cathcart Smash Repairs for assessment and repair.

Step 4: Contact Your Insurer and Arrange Towing

Within the first hour, contact your insurance provider to report the accident. Many insurers have 24/7 claims lines. Provide them with the police report number, photos, and all the information you've gathered. Your insurer will guide you on next steps and may recommend approved repairers. Be honest and detailed—rushing this conversation often leads to claim delays.

If your vehicle isn't safe to drive, arrange towing immediately. At Cathcart Smash Repairs, we offer 24/7 towing and roadside assistance across Bendigo, Greater Bendigo, Castlemaine, and Heathcote. Contact us once you've reported to your insurer, and we'll coordinate with your insurance company to have your vehicle transported safely to our workshop for a thorough damage assessment and repair planning.

Frequently asked questions

Call 000 immediately and request an ambulance. Never refuse medical assessment, even if you feel fine—some injuries appear hours later. Medical records strengthen insurance claims and protect your health. Once you've received treatment, notify your insurer and your repair provider of any injuries.

No. Avoid discussing fault or apologising beyond basic politeness, as these statements can be used against you in claims. Stick to factual statements and let your insurer and the police determine liability based on evidence.

While not legally required for minor accidents, a police report creates an official record that protects you and supports your insurance claim. It's worth the small effort to contact the non-emergency line for documentation.

Contact a repairer like Cathcart Smash Repairs within 24 hours. Early assessment prevents further damage, documents the accident condition clearly, and keeps your insurance claim moving forward without delay.

What Our Customers Say

Read our Google Reviews

    
 
 
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   Raymond K 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent job car came back looking like new No fuss Thanks Cathcart 👌
  
 
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   Michael K 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The leaf springs broke on the front axle of my 5th wheeler, near Birchip. Tyson rang me after NRMA contacted him and we had clear communication on the job required. Tyson and Jamie were punctual and professional in getting our van to Kialla for repairs. A difficult time made easier by dealing with experienced professionals. We highly recommend Cathcart to anybody.
  
 
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   Esra S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good communication and went out of their way to help. Car came back cleaner than when I got it detailed.
  
 
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   Joyal M 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Helped me to jumpstart my car
  
 
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   Louise G 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I took my car here a month ago. They thoroughly checked over my car and took the time to explain the issue. Their freely given recommendation was at no profit to them. So good to get honest, knowledgeable advice. I highly recommend.
  
 
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   Jordan P 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent work and fantastic customer service by the team at Cathcarts on my MG5. Easy to organise a tow, prompt updates at each stage of the repairs and they smashed out the job earlier than anticipated. Huge thanks to Daniel, Liana and the team 🙌😊
  
 
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   Gwenda S 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very friendly and helpful.
  
 
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   Adam F 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Brilliant work, professional team, great customer service.  These guys went above and beyond for my repair. Highly recommend
  
 
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   Lyndall W 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to commence by acknowledging the exceptional work quality provided by the team at Cathcart Smash Repairs on my Ford Ranger. Notably, Troy, your affable demeanor and warmth facilitated a remarkably efficient quoting process, it made the experience not only productive but also enjoyable. Thank you for creating such a welcoming atmosphere it really enhances the entire process! Braden, I extend my gratitude for your exceptional repair work and meticulous attention to detail I appreciate the care you put into every aspect of your craft. Thank you for your diligence and skill. Ashton, I really appreciate the initiative you’ve taken on the panel preparation, your hard-work has really streamlined the process, thank you for your dedication and effort it truly makes a difference. Toby, I'm genuinely impressed with the quality of the paint work, especially the color match, I am well aware this can be a laborious part of the job, but you have demonstrated exceptional matching skill. Tracy and Joe, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the final touches you put into your work. It’s clear that you both take great pride in everything that leaves the shop, and it truly shows. Your attention to detail and commitment to quality make all the difference. Finally, Daniel and Liana, you should be extremely proud of the efforts your staff have put in. Their dedication and hard work are evident in everything they do, and it truly makes a positive impact on the overall experience. Thank you for fostering such a committed team!