No one sets out in a day with the hope or desire to be involved in an accident. Life itself is full of uncertainties. An accident occurs for several reasons, such as mechanical failure, bad roads, drunkenness or lack of concentration on the part of the driver.

We would share with you six things you are expected to do when involved in an accident, especially if the damage is on the high side and there’s a e likelihood of filing an action in court for compensation for loss in Nigeria whether as the victim or the one who caused the accident.

Place a caution sign in a conspicuous location at the scene of the accident
As much as this is mandated and duly provided for in our legal system with the provision on punishment for non compliance which may result to being prosecuted for obstruction, it is also a preventive measure against further collusion by notifying oncoming vehicles to be cautious of the state of the road. It can save you from being liable for another accident if complied with.

Contact the nearest police around you and Obtain a police report
The police are saddled with the responsibility of protection of lives and property of the citizens and residents of Nigeria. The police upon the occurrence of an accident should be alerted to visit the scene of the accident for proper recording which would aid their investigation on the liability or otherwise of parties involved. It is those findings that would form the basis of a police report.

Aside from the investigation being used to determine the liability or otherwise of a person, it is also required to sustain an insurance claim. Without a police documentation, you basically have no proof the accident ever happened thereby denying you from getting any help from any insurance company.

While awaiting the arrival of the police where there’s none close to the scene of the accident and particularly if you are conscious and full of strength, you may take pictures or a video record of the scene of the accident before it gets altered or tampered with. The pictures might help at some point especially where you need to clarify discrepancies.

Aside from the police, you may also obtain reports from any government traffic agency that visits the scene of the accident. For example a report from officers of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency may be obtained if visit is made to the scene or any other similar response team.

Get a medical report
Aside from obtaining treatment at the hospital for your safety, a medical report is another important documentation required to substantiate your claims for relief in a court.

Obtain a report from a Vehicle Inspection Officer (VIO)
A VIO is someone who is saddled with the responsibility of carrying out an inspection of vehicles involved in accidents. Just like the police report, a vio report is a detailed explanation of the quantum of damage to the vehicle involved. It is a detailed report which can be used to get the value of damages you may claim in a court if an action is to be instituted in court or when negotiating for compensation.

Contact a lawyer
It is highly recommended that you do not underestimate the importance of involving a lawyer when you are involved in an accident, either as the victim or the one who caused the accident.

Getting your Insurance claims may sometimes be cumbersome. You may, therefore, need a skilled professional who is conversant with handling insurance claims to defend your interest.
Another benefit of getting legal help is that it saves you from being taken advantage of when it comes to sorting out damages.

Contact your insurance Company
Every car owner in Nigeria is expected to have his or her car insured not just against the risk of accident but also fire theft, etc, there are various classes of insurance ( Comprehensive car insurance, Third party insurance, etc) each determines the extent of compensation you are likely to access in the event of an accident.
Promptly contact your insurance company to claim relief for damages caused to your car or for compensation to a third party occasioned by you depending on your insurance policy.
Insuring your vehicle protects you against unforeseen circumstances, helps you to save cost when an accident occurs, thereby relieving you from spending money not planned for.

Kindly note that documentations from the above listed agency would go a long way in either sustaining an action against a person for negligent driving and compensation for loss or establishing your innocence in a wrongful allegation of guilt.