Dealing with these issues properly can dramatically improve the outcome for everyone involved. Says Robby Cohen, the marketing manager of the Sti Group: ?Car accidents are one of those things that people always expect to happen to someone else ? the result being that consumers often find themselves completely unprepared when they do become victims.?

To better equip yourself in the event of an accident, Sti suggests the following:

Keep safety first
If you've been in an accident, stop immediately and turn on the hazard lights. Determine the extent of the injuries and damages. If it is a minor accident with no significant injuries, move the cars out of the way to free up the traffic flow and particularly, oncoming traffic.

If there are any injuries, do not move the vehicles. Also do not move an injured person until standard first aid measures have been applied. If the vehicles have to be moved, then mark their positions on the road before they are moved. Make sure the authorities are called.

Exchange information
Write down all details about the accident to supply to parties with reasonable grounds for requiring this info. This includes details of the accident, the other party?s vehicle, the other drivers, witnesses, the police station where it was reported, case number and the towing service.

Document the accident
Where possible, take photographs to document the damage to all vehicles (it is advisable to keep a disposable camera handy in your vehicle for this purpose). Keep in mind that the photos should show the overall context of the accident so that you can make your case to a claims adjuster.

Avoid liability
Do not discuss what happened with anyone else but the police. Do not accept liability or make accusations. These comments may be used against you later. If you are involved in an accident involving injury or substantial damage to property, stay at the accident scene until the police permit you to leave. Otherwise, criminal charges and driver's license sanctions can result.

Towing the vehicle
If the vehicle has to be towed, instruct the towing service to take the vehicle to your repairer of choice (make sure these details are recorded in writing on the towing authorisation you sign). Unethical towing operators often take vehicles to a less than reputable panel shop in exchange for a bribe.

File an accident report
Report the accident to the police within 24 hours. They'll provide you with a case number that is needed for the insurance claim.

Report to insurance
If you are insured, contact your insurance broker/company to file a claim. The details of your coverage will determine the way in which the claim is processed, so make sure that you know what you're signing when you pick an insurer and policy option.

By understanding what the policy covers, you will know in advance what conditions apply and it'll help prevent nasty surprises at the time of lodging a claim. Details you should be particularly aware of include the choice of a towing operator and repairer, excesses payable and the option to include a replacement rental car in your policy.

Oversee repairs
Find out if the vehicle is still under warranty. If so, only new parts should be used in repairing the vehicle. If the warranty has expired, second hand or alternative brand replacement parts are fine. Also try to match the size of the repairer to the nature of the repairs. Fender benders can be repaired at smaller repair shops, but where substantial damage is involved great care should be taken to ensure that the selected repairer is capable and equipped to undertake the repair.

Keep an emergency kit
Many vehicles today come equipped with a first aid kit, but to be better prepared for an accident the standard first aid kit should be augmented by keeping a pen and paper, disposable camera, a list of contact numbers of emergency assistance/ law enforcement agencies, and blank accident information forms in the glove department. In addition, a set of cones, warning triangles or emergency lights should be kept in the boot. You can buy any of the above at an Automobile Association (AA) shop.