Car accidents can happen when we least expect them, and knowing what to do in the aftermath can make all the difference. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a beginner, everyone needs to be prepared for such situations.
Knowing what the responsibility is of the people involved, and how the law affects everyone is important. Figuring out the reason for the accident and having an idea about how to collect evidence and what your insurance company will cover can save you a lot of stress.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you find yourself in a car crash on the roads of the UK.
If you aren’t sure, get in touch with us at PR Scully.
Safety first
If you’re involved in a collision, stop your vehicle immediately, no matter how minor the accident seems. This will allow you to assess the situation, yourself and each person – passengers or pedestrians – for injuries. If anyone is hurt, call emergency services immediately.
Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers of the accident scene. Use warning triangles, if available, to warn approaching traffic. While waiting for the authorities to arrive, try to identify if any repairs are needed.
Accident checklist
Once the initial shock is out of the way, follow the correct steps, as an insurance claim may be necessary.
Make sure to complete the following:
Exchange details: Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, and insurance details with the other driver(s) involved. When you swap information, it is also vital that you make a note of the other vehicle’s make, model, colour, and registration number.
If there are any witnesses, ask for their contact details as they might be able to provide valuable information later.
Report the accident: If there are any injuries, or if the accident has caused significant damage, you must report it to the police as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours. Make sure to inform your insurance company about the accident, even if you don’t intend to make a claim. Giving your insurance company details of the accident could help your case in the future.
Document the scene: Take photos using your phone. The more pictures you take of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any relevant road signs or markings, the better. In some cases, a sketch or diagram of the accident scene, showing the position of vehicles and any other relevant details can be equally useful.
Stay calm and cooperate with the authorities: It’s natural to feel shaken after a car crash, but try to stay calm and composed. Answer any questions from the police or other authorities truthfully and to the best of your ability.
Seek medical attention: Get checked by a medical professional even if you feel fine. It’s advisable to see a doctor after an accident. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Keep a record of any medical treatment you receive, including doctor’s notes and prescriptions.
Follow-up: Keep in contact with your insurance company and follow up on any claims or legal proceedings. If anything changes in relation to a road accident, it is important to be ahead of any trouble or liability heading your way.
If you’re unsure about your rights or responsibilities, consider seeking legal advice from a solicitor specialising in personal injury or car accidents.
Learn from the experience
As with most negatives in life, it helps to take some time to reflect on the accident and consider what could have been done differently to prevent it. For example, was speed an issue? Were there plenty of precautions that could have helped prevent the incident? Did I leave enough space for the brakes to be effective? Was the road surface suitable on the day?
Use the experience to become a better, safer driver. Consider taking defensive driving courses or brushing up on your driving skills. There’s always a range of things you can work on to make it safer for yourself and other road users.
Remember, being involved in a car crash can be a traumatic experience, but by staying calm, following these steps, and seeking the necessary assistance, you can navigate through the situation more effectively. In the event you feel there is a case to file a claim, then get in touch with us at PR Scully. Our experienced team can see what sort of settlement is possible, no matter where in England the accident occurred.