What to Do After a Car Accident? Your 8 Step Guide
Every day, thousands of accidents occur, all happening in the blink of an eye, whether it’s your fault or someone else’s. And yet many people are not aware of what to do after a car accident.
Being prepared for the worst keeps you legally protected in the aftermath of car accidents. UK laws firmly state that you must follow certain steps after any accident. This guide gives you a clear step-by-step guide so you stay safe, legal, and protected.
Quick Checklist: What to Do After a Car Accident in the UK
- Stop your car safely and switch on the hazard lights
- Stay calm and check for injuries
- Call 999 for emergencies or 101 for minor incidents
- Make the scene safe with warning triangles or reflective gear
- Exchange details (name, address, reg, insurance)
- Gather evidence and witness contacts
- Do not admit fault – stick to the facts
- Arrange recovery, repairs, or insurer support
Step 1: Stop Safely and Stay Calm
According to UK law, if you are involved in a car accident, the first thing you must do is stop the car. It doesn’t matter how minor the accident is. Not stopping your car is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Pull your car over to a safe side of the road and turn on your hazard lights. Get out of the car, take a deep breath, and calm yourself before anything else. This will help you regain your composure so you can handle the situation properly.
Step 2: Check for Injuries
After stopping your car in a secure position, check for injuries if there are any. First look at yourself, then the passengers in your car, and finally anyone involved in the accident. The most important thing is being calm in the situation and speaking clearly to check if they are conscious or hurt.
That said, some injuries may not be obvious at that time. So you have to be vigilant and active. This will prepare you for the next step, whether emergency services are needed or not.
Step 3: Call Emergency Services
Next, call the emergency services (999) and ask for an ambulance, police, or fire service if there is a serious injury or road blockage.
If the other driver refuses to provide their details or leaves the scene, call the police promptly. And for minor accidents with no major injuries or danger, you can report the incident on the non-emergency number 101.
However, if no one is hurt and both drivers are helpful, don’t involve the police and settle down by yourself.
Legal reminder: Under UK law, you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours if there is any serious injury or if the other driver doesn’t want to exchange details. Otherwise, you will be fined or even prosecuted.
Step 4: Make the Scene Safe
Once you have checked for injuries, your next priority is to make the scene safe to prevent another collision. Place warning triangles around the scene, and make sure the hazard lights are on so that others are warned.
If there is a chance of fire, keep everyone, especially passengers, away from the scene and wait for the fire service. If it’s dark, wear a reflective jacket if you have one or use a mobile torch.
Step 5: Exchange Details
By UK law, both drivers should exchange their details with each other. If the other driver refuses, you must report the incident to the police within 24 hours. Details can be name, address, vehicle registration number and policy number.
However, if there is no serious matter, then you don’t need to involve the police. Both can settle the situation at the scene.
Step 6: Gather Evidence
Another important thing that you shouldn’t miss is gathering evidence. It’s helpful for the police report and your insurance policy. You can use your smartphone to record what happened.
If there are any eyewitnesses, ask for their names and contact details. It could be valuable proof for an insurance claim.
Step 7: Don’t Admit Fault
After an accident, it’s natural to say “sorry” out of politeness. But don’t admit the blame if you haven’t done anything wrong. It can cause a problem for you later with the insurer.
Instead, talk to the other driver and stick to the facts of the accident without saying anything that could affect your insurance claim. Let the insurer and investigator decide whose fault it is. Staying neutral could protect your stance and give the insurer a better chance to handle your claim fairly.
Step 8: Arrange Recovery or Repairs
Once everything is dealt with, the next step is sorting out your car. Call the breakdown provider or insurer to arrange recovery, as many policies provide road assistance if you have such.
If your car is able to drive, take it to a trusted or insurer-approved garage. This can make the process quick, and soon you will be able to drive your car.
However, if your car is too damaged, your insurer will declare it a write-off and offer a settlement. Then you must notify the DVLA of the write-off.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do after a minor car accident in the UK?
No matter how minor a car accident is, you must stop your car first. Check if everyone is okay and exchange details like name, address, and registration number with each other. If both agree on the situation and there is no major damage, then there is no need to involve the police.
Do you have to report a minor car accident to the UK police?
You don’t always need to call the police if both you and the other driver are in agreement. But you must report the accident to them if details aren’t exchanged or if someone is injured. Failing to do so within 24 hours could lead to a penalty.
What happens if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If the other driver is not insured, gather evidence, report it to the police, and then submit a claim to your insurer or the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).
Can I claim for whiplash after a minor crash?
Yes, you can claim whiplash after a minor crash. It’s one of the most common road accident injuries. In the May 2021 reforms, minor whiplash claims were introduced to the fixed tariff system with lower compensation amounts than before.
What if I don’t stop the car after an accident?
Not stopping the car after an accident is an offence according to the UK Road Traffic Act 1988. You have to stop and exchange details with each other. You should also report the incident to the police within 24 hours. Otherwise, you could be fined or even prosecuted.
Conclusion: What to Do After a Car Accident?
Car accidents are stressful. That’s why knowing what to do after a car accident is so important. One small mistake could cost you a lot. You must follow all the mentioned steps, from stopping the car to exchanging details and not admitting fault, if you want to be legally in the clear.
Also, it is very important to keep both the police and insurer informed about the accident and help in making your claim.
For more information about car accidents and their legal procedures, visit our blogs.
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