What to do if caught in a road traffic accident

WHAT TO DO IF CAUGHT IN A ROAD ACCIDENT 

A road traffic accident is a frightening experience and can be a traumatic time. You may be suffering from shock, and as a result may not be thinking in your usual way. Research from Norwich Union showed that “almost a third of drivers don’t know what to do if their vehicle is involved in a road accident”. The following points are some advice for you on what to do.

1. Firstly see that you are not hurt and can move around without any pain.

(a)    If you are injured, stay in the same position. The emergency services should be called immediately. If you are unable to do this try to seek help from passengers, passers by, witnesses or anyone else involved in the accident.

It is important that you do not delay getting medical attention. If you do, the other driver can claim that you sustained injuries elsewhere, or that they were caused by some other situation.

(b)   If you are not injured you should assess the accident scene to see if anyone else is injured.

2.   Make sure you turn your engine off. Hazard warning lights should be used to alert other road users of the hazard and to prevent any further collisions.

3.   If you are not injured, by law you are required to stay at the accident scene.

(a) In a minor collision

All parties should exchange the following information:

·     Full name and address of the other driver/drivers involved in the accident

·     Telephone number

·     Insurance companies name

·     Insurance policy number

·     Vehicle registration number

·     Make of vehicle (Ford, Vauxhall, Peugeot etc.)

·     Vehicle model

·     Colour of vehicle

If the car is not registered in your name then you should provide the car owners name and vice versa.

DO NOT take any liability for the accident at the scene.

      (b) In a major collision

If the damage caused during the accident is serious and several other vehicles are involved then the police should be contacted immediately. In a case where you are unable to call the police, request a witness to call on behalf of you.

If you DO NOT leave your details at the scene of the accident then you will need to report the accident to the police. This should be done as soon as possible and within 24 hours of the incident.

4. Witnesses may be some help to you

If there are any witnesses to the accident, take their name, address, telephone number and where they were at the time when the accident occurred. This may help later on with the proceeding of the case. Witnesses should write down their evidence and keep their original notes as it may be some time before the evidence is needed.

5. If there is no danger to oncoming traffic do not change the position of your vehicle.

If possible take photographs showing the positioning and angle of the vehicles. This will give a clear indication of what happened. The photographs may help solicitors, insurance companies and police when dealing with your case.

Road traffic accidents occur frequently. If the accident was not your fault seek expert advice from one of our solicitors by calling 0800 652 4321 or visit our Compensation Claims website