No one ever expects to be in a car accident, but unfortunately, they happen all the time. If you find yourself involved in a collision, it's important to know what to do next.
Here is a quick guide on what to do after a car accident in the UK.
Stop your car as soon as possible - even if the damage is minor
After an accident, it is always important to stop your car as soon as possible, even if the damage is minor. Taking this precaution helps to ensure everyone’s safety, both on the road and in the aftermath of an incident.
When every driver takes responsibility for their actions, others on the road can stay safe, knowing that any potential risks are addressed quickly and decisively. Additionally, stopping your vehicle right away allows you to assess the situation calmly and accurately rather than allowing emotions to drive your decisions in a high-stress event.
Though it may seem inconvenient at first, taking a few moments to pause and evaluate your circumstances correctly ensures nobody is hurt or left vulnerable. Stopping quickly after an accident also provides a chance for all parties to be protected financially, so make sure to share as much accurate information as possible in order to protect yourself down the line.
While you might think that you will remember everything, a claim for personal injury can be made up to 3 years of the car accident taking place. So that makes it essential to record as much information as possible at the time of the incident.
Check for injuries
When faced with an emergency situation, it is important to remain calm and take action fast. If someone has been injured, the first priority should be to check for any visible injuries and assess their condition.
Start with the head and move down, checking for cuts, bruises, broken bones, or any other signs of trauma. It's also important to monitor vital signs, such as pulse rate and breathing patterns. If possible, administer first aid and call an ambulance.
Even if there are no signs of physical injury, they may be suffering from shock or significant internal bruising and need medical attention as soon as possible. An injury can quickly become more serious without proper treatment, so being careful is essential when dealing with potential victims of trauma.
Taking the right steps in time can mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation.
When to call the Police
It’s important to know when to call the police if you’ve been involved in a car accident.
Reportable road traffic accident
In the UK, the law defines a reportable road traffic collision as one which causes:
- injury or damage to anybody - other than the driver of that vehicle
- injury or damage to an animal - other than one being carried on that vehicle (an animal is classed as a horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat, or dog)
- damage to a vehicle - other than the vehicle which caused the collision
- damage to property built on, attached to, growing in, or otherwise forming part of the land where the road is
When should I call 999?
You should request emergency police presence in the following situations -
- if someone is in danger
- if someone has been seriously injured
- you believe a serious offence has been committed
- the collision has caused a blockage or dangerous obstruction of the road
How to report the collision
There are three scenarios in which you must report the collision to the police within 24 hours of the accident -
- if you were unable to exchange details at the scene
- if anyone was injured
- if you suspect that the other person may have committed a driving offence.
Most police forces now allow you to report the accident online rather than having to go to the police station, so do check their website for a reporting tool such as this one from the Metropolitan Police.
What happens if you don’t report the accident
If you don't stop at the scene or report an incident, you could be committing an offence and be charged. This could then result in a fine, prison sentence, and penalty points on your license. You could even be disqualified from driving.
Take photos of the damage to both vehicles.
After any car accident, it's important to document the damage as best you can. This means identifying the damage to both vehicles and taking photographs for reference in future proceedings. Taking pictures of vehicle damage can be a daunting task and may cause anxiety for those who are unfamiliar with the process, but there are several steps that one can take to ensure that it is done properly.
- First, choose a background against which the vehicle damage will be most visible, this could include grassy fields, driveways, or parking lots.
- Next, take pictures from various angles so that all affected areas are captured.
- Finally, make sure to capture closeups of any identifying marks or unique features; this will provide an accurate representation of both vehicles' states before and after the accident.
Remember to keep copies of these images on hand; they could be invaluable later if additional repairs are required, or legal action is pursued. By taking photos of the damage sustained by each vehicle involved in an accident, car owners can have peace of mind knowing they have fully documented both cars' conditions!
Contact your insurance company to start a claim
When filing an insurance claim, it's important to act as soon as possible. The sooner you make the call, the sooner you can start the process of approving your claim and getting reimbursed for damages or losses.
Once your insurance company has all the information on file, they'll begin processing your claim right away and update you on its status regularly until it is resolved. By being prepared and organized, you can help make sure your claim is handled efficiently so that any necessary repairs are covered in a timely manner.
Get In Touch With An Attorney If Necessary
In some cases, you are going to need to look for a car accident lawyer to have on your side. It’s important that you are looking at reviews from past clients so that you can ensure they are what you need. Do your research, present the lawyer that you hire with all of the documentation and why you think that a legal case is necessary. They will then help you with the next steps if they think that you have a case. This can be a long, and drawn out process, so you have got to be ready for something like this. Your lawyer will explain all of the ins and outs to you, so ensure that you are listening carefully to everything that they tell you.
It’s also important that you do not hide anything from your lawyer. They need all of the facts if they are going to represent you to the best of their abilities.
Our Roundup
If you are ever in a car accident, remember these steps to keep yourself and others safe. Even if the damage seems minor, it's important to stop as soon as possible and take care of any injuries. Make sure to exchange insurance information with the other driver and contact your insurance company so they can start a claim. Stay calm and stay safe!
