Steps to Take Immediately After an Accident

1. Stop the Car Immediately

• Leaving the scene of an accident is illegal.
• Turn off the engine.
• Activate your hazard lights.

 

2. Check for Injuries

• Examine yourself and passengers for any injuries.
• If no one is hurt in a minor accident, make a note for reference in case of future claims.
• Call the police and an ambulance if anyone is injured or if the road is obstructed.

 

3. Stay Calm

• Try to remain calm – it’s normal to feel shaken after a crash.
• Take deep breaths and assess the situation without losing your composure.

 

4. Exchange Information

Share details with all parties involved (including witnesses). Collect:

• Name
• Address
• Phone number
• Vehicle registration number

 

Avoid admitting fault or apologising until you fully understand the circumstances, as this could affect liability.

When Should You Call the Police?

Not all accidents require police involvement, but you should contact them if:

• • Other drivers leave without providing their details.
  • You suspect the other driver is uninsured or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • You believe the collision was intentional.

Report the incident to the police within 24 hours. Failure to do so could result in fines, points on your licence, or disqualification.

 

How to Exchange Details After an Accident

Sharing information at the accident scene is essential for insurance purposes and may be legally required.

• Provide your name and address to all involved if the accident caused damage or injury.
• Swap insurance and driver details with others.
• Record passenger and witness information.
• Confirm if the other driver owns the vehicle. If not, obtain the registered owner’s details.
• If a foreign lorry is involved, note both the lorry and trailer numbers, and the company name if visible.

Leave your details if you damage property or a parked vehicle, even if the owner isn’t present. A witness or CCTV may identify your vehicle if you fail to do so.

 

Information to Record at the Scene

Accidents can be disorienting, but gathering comprehensive details is crucial. Use your phone to capture images of the scene, vehicle positions, and damage.

If you have a dash cam, save the footage. This can assist in determining liability.

Record or photograph the following:

Vehicle Information

• Make
• Model
• Colour
• Registration number

 

Accident Details

• Date and time of the crash.
• Weather, lighting, and road conditions.
• Surface condition (e.g., wet, icy, muddy).

 

Vehicle Damage

• Type and location of damage (e.g., nearside front wing and door – nearside is the passenger side, offside is the driver’s side).

 

Injuries

• Record any injuries to drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.

 

Witness Details

• Name
• Address
• Phone number

 

Filing an Insurance Claim

After an accident, you can choose who repairs your vehicle. You can either claim through your insurance or manage the repair independently.

If you’re not an AA member, contact your insurer directly. If you are a member, you can call the AA first, and they will handle communication with insurers on your behalf.

 

Filing a Claim with Your Insurance Provider

To make a claim, notify your insurer and provide the following:

• Your policy number.
• Accident details.
• Registration numbers of vehicles involved.
• Driver names, addresses, and phone numbers.
• Insurance details of other drivers.

You may decide not to claim if:

• You want to preserve your no-claims discount (if unprotected).
• Repair costs are manageable without insurance involvement.

Regardless of your decision, inform your insurer about the accident within a reasonable time. Failure to report could breach your policy’s terms.