It can be disorienting and stressful to be caught up in a road traffic accident. While many of us may be able to avoid them during our time behind the wheel, others are not so lucky. If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident and are wondering ‘what to do in a traffic accident,’ it’s important to know that making the right decisions afterwards can help you to deal with any issues that arise.
What steps should I take immediately after a car accident?
For those wondering what to do after a traffic accident, it’s tough to think clearly in the immediate aftermath. Whether it’s bumping into a parked car or being involved in a serious collision, your body will likely be flooded with adrenaline, prompting a fight or flight response. While this is useful in situations you need to flee from, it’s not so helpful when you need to act calmly and carefully to avoid further injury and ensure that necessary precautions are taken to avoid further distress later.
Get to immediate safety
If an accident happens, there are a number of simple steps you should take. Turn off your car’s engine and activate your hazard warning lights before checking yourself and other passengers for any injuries. If the accident is minor, ensure others are fine before exiting the vehicle. If the accident is severe, or you are at risk, contact the ambulance and police services immediately. While doing so, attempt to remain calm and control your breathing. Once ready, help others safely leave the vehicle and move to a secure place.
Talk to others involved
When it’s safe to do so, interact with other individuals involved in the accident. Remember to maintain a safe distance and ask if they need assistance. At this stage, you shouldn’t apologize or admit responsibility until there’s been a full investigation. If the other driver attempts to leave without exchanging details, appears to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or appears to have deliberately caused the crash, it’s advisable to call the police immediately. If individuals have been injured, do your best to provide care until an ambulance arrives. Remember, some injuries can be made worse by moving the individual concerned. Therefore, if you’re at all unsure about an injury they’ve sustained, make them comfortable until help arrives.
After arriving back at home
Once you’ve left the scene of an accident, you’re legally required to report what has happened to your insurance provider within 24 hours. This will allow you to report the crash, confirming your policy number, the details of the car involved, and the driver’s name and details. This enables your provider to start the process of capturing information about your accident and assess whether you’re eligible to make a claim.
In the case of disputes
Not all accidents are resolved amicably, and you may find yourself in a position to make a claim against another driver because of their negligence, or defending yourself from a spurious allegation accusing you of full culpability. If this is the case, it’s important to contact a reliable solicitor as quickly as possible and provide them with evidence and information that you’ve collected from the scene of the incident. This will allow your provider to assess the integrity of any claim and permit you to rest easy while they pursue every avenue possible to ensure that scammers are promptly dealt with and that you are put in the strongest position to make your case backed by all available appropriate evidence.
What should I do if I’m stranded on the motorway hard shoulder?
If you’re stranded on a motorway hard shoulder after an accident, stop your car as far left as possible, with wheels turned left, and turn on your hazard lights. If visibility is low, you should turn on your rear fog or side lights. Next, you should exit your vehicle quickly through the left-side door and stand on the other side of the crash barrier if safe. If not, keep your hazard lights and seatbelts on, and call 999 immediately. If you’re near an emergency telephone on the hard shoulder, try to stop near it. Move passengers to a safe place away from and leave animals secure inside the car. On a smart motorway with no hard shoulder, try to reach an emergency area marked with blue signs and an orange SOS telephone symbol. Once there, use the phone to ring for help. In this situation, always prioritize your safety and be aware of your surroundings.
What information should I record at the accident scene?
At the accident scene, you will need to exchange details with other motorists involved, which includes noting their name and address, your insurance information, and establishing if the driver is the registered owner of the vehicle. While waiting, take the opportunity to take as much photographic evidence of the scene as possible, including the surrounding area and a record of the time and lead-up to the crash. This should include the conditions, time and date, the nature of the damage, and any information you can capture, including names of witnesses, nearby CCTV cameras, and other elements. The Road Traffic Act (1988) states that individuals are required to stop and exchange details with any individual involved in a collision, detailing your vehicle registration and personal contact details in full. Failure to do so at the time can open you up to significant fines, legal action, and follow-up from the police in a worst-case scenario. It’s also essential to remember that your actions can potentially expose you to claims from those involved seeking compensation for injuries.
Do you have to report a minor car accident to the police?
Whether you need to tell the police about a small car crash depends on where it happened. Some places say you must report a bump if someone is hurt, or if the car damage costs a lot. A police report can help determine who pays for the repair. However, it’s always good to know the rules where you live, and if you’re not sure, it’s best to inform the police.
Contact Wafer Phillips Solicitors
At Wafer Phillips, we believe it’s important to take extra care in the wake of an accident. We can guide you with regards to what steps you need to take before making a claim or resolving the issue with your provider. With many years’ experience providing care for claimants, we will work with you to provide the protection and care that you require, making the resolution process as efficient and stress-free as possible. You can take a look at our services on our website or get in touch directly to let our team know exactly what you need.
