What to do in the event of an accident
Nobody likes to think about accidents happening, but unfortunately road accidents can and do happen. It is easy to overlook things in the heat of the moment, so it’s important to be prepared if the worst does happen.
In the least you should follow these simple rules
1) Remember to stop
It’s a legal requirement for drivers involved in a car accident to stop as soon as it’s safe to do so, even if you think it's just a minor accident. Make sure your car’s engine is switched off and turn your hazard lights on to alert oncoming traffic about the accident. In the event of a collision where no other people are involved, for example if you have hit a parked car, you should leave your details on the windscreen of the vehicle.
2) Keep calm and stay safe
Try not to panic. Get out of the car safely including any passengers by using the passenger doors to avoid traffic if necessary , and stand a safe distance away from the roadside.
3) Call for help
The safety of everyone involved in the accident is always the first priority. If anyone has been injured, call the emergency services immediately on 999. You will need to provide the location and as much information as you can about injuries. "What three words" is an excellent app to pinpoint your exact location. It is recommended not to move anyone injured unless they are in immediate danger. The police must be called if the collision has caused injuries, a hazardous situation, damage to public property, or if someone involved in the accident leaves the scene without exchanging details. Ensure that vehicles are not moved until the police arrive.
If possible once you have called for help,put on a Hi-Viz jacket and ask other drivers to switch off their engines. Ensure no one in the vicinity of the accident is smoking. If a motorcyclist or cyclist is involved, DO NOT remove their helmet (full face helmets especially) unless it is essential and you are trained to do so.
Stay at the scene until the emergency services arrive
4) Don’t take the blame
Avoid taking responsibility for the accident and discussing any settlement until you know precisely what happened, even if you think it was your fault. Let your insurance provider handle it, otherwise it could count against you if you were to change your mind at a later date.
5) Take down the details
Once everyone involved is safe or is being looked after, collect and exchange the following details about the accident to help with your insurance claim:
Date, time and location of the accident.
Name, address and telephone number of all passengers involved and the vehicle they were in.
Make, model, colour and registration number of all vehicles involved.
Insurance details of all drivers involved, if they have them.
Details of any injuries suffered by anybody involved in the accident.
Details of any damage to vehicles involved in the accident.
Details of witnesses or police officers at the scene.
A description of the weather conditions or anything unusual you notice about the road quality, lighting or the other driver(s) e.g. intoxication.
All drivers involved must exchange details by law.
If you do not give your name and address at the time of the collision, report it to the police as soon as possible, and in any case within 24 hours.
If another person is injured and you do not produce your insurance certificate at the time of the crash to a police officer or to anyone having reasonable grounds to request it you MUST:-
Report it to the police as soon as possible and in any case within 24 hours.
Produce your insurance certificate for the police within seven days.
6) Take photos if you can
Most modern mobile phones have a camera and will take good enough photos to help you remember important details and for use as evidence. Safely photograph positions of the vehicles involved, road layout, any skid marks and any damage.
7) Tell your insurance company
You must notify your insurance company immediately, or as soon as it is safe to do so, of any collision you are involved in, regardless of whether or not you need to make a claim. You will need to provide them with all the details and photographs you collect.
8) Are you in a fit state to continue
Don’t rush off before taking a moment to make sure you have all the details you need and to ensure you are not still in shock or too stressed to drive.
Incidents you are NOT involved in
If you see emergency or incident support vehicles displaying flashing lights in the distance, be aware there may be an incident ahead. You should slow down and be prepared to stop or move into another lane.
The emergency services, traffic officers and recovery workers may be required to work in the carriageway. You MUST follow any directions given by police or traffic officers as to whether you can safely pass the incident or obstruction.
When passing the scene of an incident, remain alert for hazards (such as debris or slow moving vehicles) and do not slow down unnecessarily. You should focus on the road ahead when passing an incident because a lack of attention may cause further incidents, collisions or congestion of traffic.
Incidents involving dangerous goods
Vehicles carrying dangerous goods will be marked with plain orange reflective plates. Road tankers and vehicles carrying tank containers of dangerous goods will have hazard warning plates.
If an incident involves a vehicle containing dangerous goods follow the same rules as per a typical accident but in particular, Switch off engines and DO NOT SMOKE, keep well away from the vehicle and do not be tempted to try and rescue casualties as you yourself could become one. Call the emergency services and give as much information as possible about the labels and marking on the vehicle. DO NOT use a mobile phone close to a vehicle carrying flammable liquids.