how to deal with an accident 101

I've decided to do up an entry on the Do's and Don't's of what to do when you get into an accident.  If you, like me pre-January 2013, have no idea what actually elapses if you have the misfortune of getting into an accident, this could be helpful.

So here we go.

BANG! Accident. Oh shit. Shock and horror, maybe you start crying. Take a second or two to calm yourself. Get out of your car ASAP and make sure nobody's hurt and nothing is on fire, and that no fuel is leaking (if any of this is the case call the police right away). Check on the other driver and make sure they're okay, help them out of their car if they need it.

If you are causing a major traffic obstruction, try and safely move your cars off the road. People watching accidents tend to cause more accidents. Call the police and make a report. They may or may not send a car down.

Okay, you're both safe and it wasn't your fault. Or it was. Or it was both of you at fault. SAY NOTHING ABOUT IT. Do not utter a word. Don't even say sorry (even if it's your fault). If the other party is a hysterical lunatic DON'T be tempted to say sorry to defuse the situation like I did (I need to harden up).

Pen and paper, phone whatever, exchange the following details;
Name
Address
Phone number
License number
Registration number
Insurance details (basically the company name is enough)

Take lots of photos of everything. The accident site, ALL the damage to the cars, as thoroughly as you can. Remember exactly where it happened if you can, because you will need to indicate this on paper and over the phone to your insurance company.

Lastly, call your insurance company and tell them what happened, every last detail if you can (how long you were waiting at an intersection, road signs, speed limits etc). They'll usually ask you all the relevant questions and guide you along with the process.

And done! The excess will have to be paid and depending on your insurance policy and who's fault it was the outcomes are different in terms of your excess. Your fault/both at fault? Excess not refunded, and be grumpy for a few weeks. Not your fault? Smile, get your excess back and your shiny fixed car back.