Report a road crash

What to do after a crash and how to report a minor collision.

What to do after a crash

If you are involved in a crash you must follow these steps.

  1. Step 1

    Stop at the scene of the crash

    Failing to stop at a crash you are involved in is an offence.

    Use your hazard warning lights to alert other road users to possible danger.

  2. Step 2

    Assist anyone who is injured

    Where there is danger, such as a fire, or where people are injured, call Triple Zero (000).

    If non-emergency police assistance is required - eg the road is blocked or there is a traffic hazard phone 131 444.

  3. Step 3

    Move vehicles to the roadside or away from traffic if possible

    If the police are not attending the scene and your vehicle needs to be moved - phone for a tow truck on 8116 9209.

    Calling a tow truck

  4. Step 4

    Exchange information

    Exchange information with any other driver or driver's representatives or other people involved in the crash, including the owner of any property damaged at the scene.

    The information exchanged should include:

    • the driver's name and address
    • the name and address of the vehicles' owners
    • the vehicles' registration numbers
    • any other information necessary to identify the vehicles
    • any other information about the crash required by a police officer.
  5. Step 5

    Report the crash to police

    Someone was injured or killed

    Report to the police at the scene of a crash or at a police station within 90 minutes if:

    • you were a driver of one of the vehicles involved, and
    • someone was injured or killed.

    Other conditions

    Attend a police station to report the incident as soon as possible, within 24 hours after the crash if any of these conditions apply:

    • not everyone involved exchanged particulars
    • vehicles were towed
    • a fair estimate of the damage exceeds $3,000
    • the police did not attend the scene.

    Attend a police station.

    You want police to investigate the collision

    If you want a police investigation of the collision because of apparent breaches of road rules you must be willing to assist in the investigation. This includes providing a statement and attending court.

    Attend a police station and provide:

    • your personal details
    • your driver's licence details
    • your vehicle registration
    • the exact location of the crash
    • the date and time of the crash
    • details of the other people involved
    • the vehicle registration details of the other vehicles involved.

    Attend a police station.

Report a minor collision

For insurance purposes you can apply for  a vehicle collision report online.

Report a collision

Collisions can be reported if:

  • the crash occurred in South Australia
  • no one was injured or killed
  • everyone involved exchanged particulars
  • it was not a hit run
  • no police vehicles were involved
  • no vehicles were towed
  • an estimate of the total damage is less than $3,000
  • police did not attend
  • you don't want police to investigate the collision.

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Provided by: Department for Infrastructure and Transport
Page last updated 10 August 2023

Provided by:
Department for Infrastructure and Transport
URL:
https://www.sa.gov.au/topics/driving-and-transport/roads-and-traffic/hazards/reporting-a-road-crash
Last Updated:
10/08/23
Printed on:
14/04/25
Copyright statement:
SA.GOV.AU is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 Licence. © Copyright 2025
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