Driving in a foreign country can be an exciting experience, but it’s essential to be prepared for unexpected situations like a vehicle accident. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation while driving a rental vehicle in Sri Lanka, knowing the right steps to take can make a significant difference. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to do after a vehicle accident in Sri Lanka, tailored specifically for foreigners driving rental vehicles.
Immediate Actions to Take After an Accident
Ensure Safety
Ensuring safety after a vehicle accident is paramount to protecting lives, preventing further harm, and handling the situation effectively. In the chaotic aftermath of a collision, taking immediate steps to ensure safety can make a significant difference in minimizing injuries and damage.
How to ensure safety after an accident?
- Check for Injuries: The first and most critical step is to check yourself and others involved in the accident for injuries. If anyone is injured, call for emergency medical assistance immediately.
- Assess the Surroundings: Be aware of any potential hazards such as leaking fuel, broken glass, or oncoming traffic. Ensure the area is safe before exiting the vehicle.
- Move to a Safe Location: This is mainly for you & other people involved in the accident. Do not move or disturb any evidence, such as vehicle parts or debris, until the police have arrived and documented the scene. If the vehicle is obstructing traffic and it is safe to do so, move it to the side of the road to prevent further accidents. And use hazard lights or warning triangles to alert other drivers.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you do not feel injured immediately after the accident, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. Some injuries may manifest later, and early detection can prevent complications.
Document the Scene
Documenting the scene after a vehicle accident is crucial to ensure that all necessary information is collected for insurance purposes, legal proceedings, and accident reconstruction. Proper documentation can help establish liability, support insurance claims, and provide valuable evidence for investigators.
Take photographs and videos of the scene, including damage to both vehicles, the position of the vehicles, skid marks, debris, and any visible injuries. Make sure to capture multiple angles and distances.
It’s important to note that documenting the scene of an accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially if you or someone else has been injured. However, taking the time to properly document the scene can make a significant difference in the outcome of your insurance claim and any legal proceedings that may follow.
If you have rented with SR Rent A Car please make sure to submit any accident-related documentation (photos, videos, audio recordings) to us via WhatsApp (+94 777 780 729) or email (info@srilankarentacar.com).
Notify Rental Company
If you were driving a rental vehicle at the time of the accident, it is crucial to inform the rental agency as soon as possible. There are several reasons why this is mandatory.
- Firstly, the rental company’s insurance policy may not cover accidents caused by the renter’s negligence or failure to follow traffic rules. Therefore, informing the rental company about the accident is crucial to avoid any potential disputes regarding insurance claims.
- Secondly, the rental company’s terms and conditions may require the renter to notify them immediately in case of an accident. Failure to do so may result in the renter being held responsible for all damages to the rented vehicle, even if they have accepted Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft/Loss Protection Insurance (THW).
- Furthermore, informing the rental company about the accident allows them to take necessary actions, such as arranging for vehicle repairs or replacements, and providing assistance to the renter in handling the insurance claim process.
At SR Rent A Car, you can always contact us through our hotline (+94 777 780 729) and inform us of any accident-related inquiry.
Inform the Insurence Company
Notifying your insurance company after a vehicle accident is necessary to comply with your insurance policy’s terms and conditions, initiate the claims process, and protect yourself from any legal repercussions.
It is essential to comply with the terms and conditions of the vehicle insurance policy, which typically requires you to report any accidents promptly. Failing to do so could result in your claim being denied, leaving you responsible for covering the costs of any damages or injuries.
Reporting the accident to your insurance company allows them to begin the claims process and investigate the incident. This is important because insurance companies need to gather evidence and assess the extent of the damages to determine liability and calculate the amount of compensation that should be paid.
Reporting the Accident to Authorities
In Sri Lanka, it is mandatory to report any accidents to the police, even if they seem minor. This is because the police can help facilitate the claims process and ensure that all parties involved are held accountable for their actions. If you are involved in an accident in Sri Lanka, you should contact the nearest police station and provide them with all the necessary information about the incident. The consequences of not reporting a vehicle accident in Sri Lanka will always bring negative experience to your travel experience.
Conclusion
Navigating a vehicle accident in Sri Lanka as a foreigner can be challenging, but with the right information and guidance, you can ensure a smooth claims process. By following these steps, you can minimize the stress and uncertainty that often accompanies a vehicle accident in Sri Lanka.
