Documenting a Car Accident Scene: Practical Tips for South Africa

Overview: Why documenting a car accident scene matters

Documenting a car accident scene is one of the most important actions you can take after ensuring everyone is safe. Clear, timely records help when dealing with insurers, the South African Police Service (SAPS), lenders, and potential buyers if you later decide to sell the vehicle. This guide covers practical steps, South Africa-specific legal notes, and tips that improve the accuracy and usefulness of evidence.

What to record at the scene

Collect evidence methodically: photographic, written and witness information. Photograph vehicle damage close-up and at mid/long range so context (road signs, skid marks) is visible. Capture registration plates, VIN/chassis number if exposed, and any relevant road markings or traffic signals.

Key photographic checklist

• 4-6 exterior shots per vehicle: front, rear, both sides, and three-quarter angles.
• Close-ups of damage, airbag deployment, tyre condition and underbody if visible.
• Interior shots for deployed airbags, dashboard warning lights and odometer reading.
• Wider shots showing scene context: road layout, signage, other vehicles and witness positions.

Documenting facts: notes that matter

Write down a concise timeline: arrival time, actions taken, who said what. Record witness names and contact numbers, plate numbers of other vehicles, and any admission of fault or statements. Note whether police attended and take the reference number if provided.

Repair cost vs value retained (example table)

Note: amounts shown are illustrative R estimates for South Africa. Actual costs and retained value vary by make, model, age and market demand. If your car is non-running after the accident, read practical options on how to proceed via our Sell Non-Running Car page.

When to sell vs repair after documenting a car accident scene

After documenting a car accident scene, you’ll need to decide whether to repair the vehicle or sell it as damaged. Consider repair cost, vehicle market value, safety and how the car will be used post-repair. For some owners-especially where structural damage or airbag deployment occurred-selling may be the more practical option.

If you choose to sell, accurate documentation speeds valuations and helps get a transparent offer. For insight into the nationwide selling process, see our overview on How it works.

How the process works after you document the scene

Use the evidence you collected when making reports and insurance claims. Present photos, videos and written notes to SAPS if required, to your insurer, and to any repair shop or buyer assessing the vehicle. Keep digital backups (cloud or email) to avoid losing files stored only on a phone.

Legal & paperwork in South Africa

In South Africa, certain steps are commonly required: reporting to SAPS when requested by insurers, obtaining an accident report if police attended, and notifying your insurer promptly. If you sell a damaged or written-off vehicle, clear paperwork and evidence of ownership (paperwork that proves the vehicle is not under finance or lists the finance status) protect both parties. If the vehicle is under finance, contact the lender-selling typically requires their consent or settlement of the outstanding balance.

Damage types vs typical offer impact (guide)

Tips to maximise the usefulness of your documentation

• Timestamp everything: use your phone’s timestamp and, if possible, email evidence to yourself so a time-stamped copy exists off-device.
• Keep organised folders: separate photos by vehicle and label images (e.g., "front-left-damage_2026-01-01").
• Get a professional estimate: a short written quote from a reputable panelshop or mechanic in Johannesburg, Cape Town or Durban can substantiate repair costs.
• Obtain a police reference if they attended; insurers often require it for claims and some buyers want the SAPS reference number.

If you later consider selling rather than repairing, having structured documentation speeds valuation and reduces back-and-forth. Learn more about options for vehicles that no longer run on the Sell Damaged Cars page, or start from our homepage for broader service details.

What happens after collection or repair

If the vehicle is repaired, retain all invoices, parts receipts and photos of the completed work. If the vehicle is sold or collected by a buyer, ensure transfer paperwork is completed correctly and that you receive a written receipt and any deregistration or transfer reference numbers. For fleet owners, maintain an incident log that links each accident to the vehicle record to simplify insurance and tax records.

Practical South Africa scenarios

• In Johannesburg: heavy traffic collisions often require witnesses and dashcam footage to corroborate events.
• In Cape Town: coastal flooding can cause delayed electrical faults-documenting water lines on the body is useful.
• In Durban: rapid corrosion risk after saltwater exposure makes early photographic evidence and prompt mechanical checks important.

Sources

• South African Police Service - Reporting road traffic incidents
• Automobile Association of South Africa - What to do after an accident
• Arrive Alive - Road safety and accident reporting information

Using the guidance above will help you build a clear, verifiable record after an accident. Good documentation protects your legal interests, helps insurers assess claims accurately, and preserves options if you later choose to sell the damaged vehicle.