Involved in an Accident? Here’s a Quick Guide on What to Do Immediately

It’s a thing we don’t wish on anyone, but we often inevitably experience it while driving – car accidents. That horrible sound. The collision. The sudden jolt.

Your heart thumps, and the impatient Kenyan drivers (and some with bad driving habits) are already hooting. It’s a proper mess, most times.

Well, nobody wakes up planning to have a car accident. But vitu kwa ground can be different. It’s stressful, chaotic, and confusing. But the next few minutes are crucial.

Taking a deep breath and knowing the right steps can save you from a massive headache. It can protect your health, your finances, and your peace of mind.

This is your step-by-step guide. Kaa chonjo. Let's get through this.

1. Safety First, Panic Later

Before you even think about the scratch on your bumper, focus on safety. Your car can be replaced. You can’t.

Check for Injuries (Yourself & Others)

First, breathe. Are you okay? Any sharp pain?

• Check on your passengers. Is everyone conscious and alert?
• Then, if it’s safe, check on the people in the other vehicle. Don't start an argument. Just ask, "Is everyone alright?"
• If anyone is seriously injured, your first call is not to your insurer. It's for medical help. Call an ambulance immediately.

Pro-Tip: Save a reliable ambulance number. For example, the St. John Ambulance Kenya emergency line is 0721 611 555. You might need it.

Move Your Car (If You Can)

Is the car drivable? Are the injuries minor (or none)?

If it’s a small fender bender, try to move your cars to the side of the road. Don't be the reason for a two-hour jam on Waiyaki Way. But first, document the scene!

You know how Kenyan drivers get. Blocking traffic just makes a bad situation worse.

Secure the Scene

This is where you:

• Turn on your hazard lights. Sasa hivi.
• If you have reflective triangles, place them at least 50 metres behind your car. This is vital, especially at night or on a blind corner.
• You need to warn oncoming drivers. 

The last thing you need is a second accident. Cheza safe.

2. Document Everything (Your Phone is Your BFF)

This is where you need to be calm and methodical. This is not the time for roadside arguments.

Your goal is to collect facts, not to assign blame.

Piga Picha (Take All the Photos)

Your smartphone is your most powerful tool right now. Become a mini detective.

• The Whole Scene: Take wide shots showing the positions of both cars before you move them (if possible).
• The Damage: Get close-ups of the damage on your car and the other car. Don't be shy.
• Number Plates: Get clear photos of both license plates.
• The Context: Snap pictures of road conditions, skid marks, and any nearby traffic signs.

You can never have too many photos. These pictures are your evidence. They will be your shield when dealing with insurance.

Swap Details (Not Insults)

Be polite. Be firm. Get the essential information from the other driver.

You absolutely need:

• Full names and phone number.
• License plate number (which you already photographed).
• The name of their insurance company and policy number. (Just piga picha their insurance sticker).

Write it down or type it into your phone. Don't just rely on a verbal promise.

Find Witnesses (“Nani Aliona?”)

Did anyone see what happened? A msee waiting for a matatu? A shopkeeper?

• Ask them politely if they’d be willing to be a witness. 
• If they agree, get their name and phone number.

A neutral third party can save you mambo mob later.

3. Call the Big Boys

Now it’s time to make the official calls. The order might surprise you.

Call Your Insurer First

Yes, before you even call the police, call your insurance company.

They have a 24/7 hotline for a reason. Tell them you've just been in an accident. They will:

• Guide you on the next steps. 
• Tell you what they need. 
• Remind you what not to say. 
• Tell you which tow trucks and garages are on their approved panel.

This call sets the entire claim process in motion.

Report the Accident to the Police (Get that Abstract)

You must report the accident to the police. This is not optional.

In Kenya, you must report any accident involving injury or serious damage to the nearest police station. You usually have 24 hours to do this. 

You need one crucial document: the Police Abstract. Your insurance company will demand this paper. Without it, your claim is going nowhere.

For official guidelines, you can always refer to the Kenya Police Service website.

Mind Your Words (Don't Admit Fault)

This is a big one.

Even if you think you were to blame, do not say "I'm sorry, it was my fault." Why?

• You might be in shock.
• You might not have all the facts.
• And admitting fault on the scene can have serious legal and insurance consequences.

Just state the facts of what happened. Let the police and the insurance investigators do their job. Wachia wao.

4. The Aftermath (Handling the Wreck)

The scene is clear, and the calls are made. Now, what about your poor car?

To Tow or Not to Tow?

If your ride isn't drivable, you’ll need a tow truck.

Don't just use the first truck that mysteriously appears on the scene. Those guys can be expensive.

Ask your insurer. They have preferred towing services. Using their guy often makes the billing and claim process much smoother.

The Garage Dilemma

Your insurance company often has a list of "approved garages."

• You might have your mech who you trust with your life. You can use your own garage, but you must get approval from your insurer first.
• If you go to a non-approved garage without telling them, they might refuse to pay the full repair bill. 

Just follow their process. It saves time and will get you fixed fast.

The "What Ifs" (Kenyan Road Specials)

Of course, Kenyan roads have their own unique challenges.

What if it’s a tiny scratch?

It’s a small scratch. No one is hurt. The damage is minimal.

Sometimes, you and the other driver can agree to settle it hapo hapo. Maybe a quick Ksh. 5,000 to fix the paint.

This can be fast. But it’s risky. The other driver might come back later claiming more damage or a sudden injury.

If you do settle, at least piga picha and or write a simple agreement. Something like:

"I, [so and so], accept [Amount] as full and final settlement for the damage..." 

Get them to sign it.

What if the other driver runs away? (Hit-and-Run)

This is the worst. It ina-boil the blood.

• Try to get the license plate. Even a partial plate helps. 
• Note the car model and colour.
• Your job is to report it to the police immediately. Get that abstract and note that it was a hit-and-run.

This is exactly why you have insurance. Call your insurer. They will guide you through the process. Having all the right info is key.

What about Boda Boda Accidents?

This situation can get hot, fast.

A crowd can form in seconds. The scene can turn hostile with a swarm of motorbikes, even if it wasn’t your fault.

• Your personal safety is priority #1. 
• Stay in your car. 
• Lock your doors.
• Call the police immediately. Tell them what is happening. 

Do not get out and argue with a crowd. Wait for the police.

Bounce Back Stronger

An accident is a terrible, jarring experience. There’s no doubt about it. But it’s a manageable one.

• Stay calm. 
• Focus on safety. 
• Document everything. 
• Call your insurer. 
• Get the police abstract.

You will get through it. A car is just metal. It can be fixed. Or it can be replaced. 

Car Written Off? Time for a Fresh Start

If your car is written off, or maybe this whole drama just has you craving a car that’s more reliable, one with better safety features, then Peach Cars can sort you! Because, why not? We get it.

We offer high-quality, inspected cars you can actually trust. Every car we sell passes a 288-point inspection, so you get peace of mind. No drama.

Or, if this accident was the last straw and you just need to sell your current car quickly and fairly, we can help with that, too. 

Give us a call at 0709 726900 and we will give you a great offer, fast.

Drive easy. Drive Peach.