What to do after a crash
Even careful drivers can be involved in a crash. The law in every state says you must stop, help where you can and give your details, and leaving the scene of a crash where someone is hurt carries very heavy penalties.
When police must be called and when a crash has to be reported varies by state. This page uses NSW and WA as examples, so check your own state's handbook too.
By the end of this topic you can
- You can make a crash scene safer straight after a collision.
- You can list the details you must exchange with other drivers.
- You can decide when to call 000 and when to report a crash to police later.
- You can handle tow trucks and insurance calmly after a crash.
What you need to know and understand
- You must always stop after a crash and give as much help as you safely can.
- You must give the other people involved your name and address, your vehicle's registration number, and the owner's name and address if you are not the owner.
- If anyone is injured or killed, call 000 for an ambulance and police.
- In NSW, if police do not attend you must report the crash within 24 hours if a vehicle was towed, property was damaged or an animal injured, or you could not give your details to the other driver.
- In WA, you must report to police if anyone was injured, if total damage is over $3,000, or if the owner of damaged property is not there.
- Police can breath test any driver involved in a crash, including a learner's supervisor.
The first few minutes
- Stop as soon as it is safe. Do not drive away.
- Turn off the ignition to reduce fire risk and switch on your hazard lights.
- Check yourself and your passengers for injuries.
- Call 000 if anyone is hurt, trapped or killed, or if there is fire or a dangerous spill.
- Help injured people only in ways that do not put you or others in more danger.
- If it is safe, clear dangerous debris such as broken glass from the road.
Details to swap and record
Stay calm and polite. Stick to facts, and leave the question of who was at fault to police and insurers. If a crash involves a truck carrying a dangerous load, keep everyone well away, avoid fumes and spills, and call 000.
- Your name and address, and the other driver's.
- Registration numbers of every vehicle involved.
- The owner's name and address if a driver does not own the car.
- Names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Time, date and exact location, plus photos of the scene and damage if safe.
Police, reports and tow trucks
In NSW, police usually attend when someone is trapped, killed or injured, a driver appears affected by alcohol or drugs, someone fails to stop or exchange details, or traffic needs directing. If police do not attend but a report is still needed, use the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 or a police station.
Contact your insurer about towing. You can usually choose who tows your car and where it goes. Do not let anyone pressure you into signing a towing form. In NSW you have the right to contact someone first and to get a copy of the form.
Common mistakes
- Driving off after a minor bump. You must stop and exchange details, even if there is no obvious damage.
- Arguing about fault at the scene. Exchange details and let insurers and police decide.
- Standing in traffic to look at damage. Move to a safe place away from moving vehicles.
- Forgetting to report a crash that needs reporting. Check your state's rules and do it promptly.
- Signing a tow form under pressure. Call your insurer first.
Test yourself: What to do after a crash
Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.
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Sources: Transport for NSW Road User Handbook (February 2026), Crashes; Calling a tow truck; Western Australia Drive Safe Handbook, 4.2.12 Post Crash Management. Independent guide, not affiliated with any licensing agency. Always check the latest official rules with your state or territory road authority.