What should I do if I am in a road traffic accident?
We know that being involved in a road traffic accident can be a distressing and traumatic ordeal. That is why our team of road traffic accident specialists have put their heads together and come up with their tips for what to do if you are involved in a collision.
We recommend that you keep this advice sheet in your glove compartment. We hope you never have to use it, but if you do, we hope this will help take the stress out of your accident and protect you and your family.
Vehicle registration
The most important thing is to correctly note down the registration numbers of all vehicles involved. Take extra care with your reading and handwriting skills at this stressful time.
Third party details
Liaise with the drivers of all vehicles involved and request their personal details including name, address, contact number and insurance details.
Third party vehicle description
Note down the make, model and colour of all vehicles involved. Try and note down details of any damage. Try and note down a description of the other driver(s).
Photographs
If you have a camera, get photographs of the accident location and damage to all vehicles. It is a good idea to keep a disposable camera in your car.
Witnesses
Take the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses.
Medical attention
If you do not require an ambulance at the scene, you should visit your GP or hospital at the earliest opportunity if you have been injured. Make sure you let them know about any aches or pains.
Report to the police
The police are unlikely to attend the scene if there are no obvious injuries, but you should report the accident so that they have a record of it. If any party is unwilling to provide their details/drives away from the scene, you must report the accident to the police at the first opportunity.
Report to insurer
If you are the driver of the vehicle, report the accident to your insurance company at the earliest opportunity.
Contact us
If you have been injured as a result of a road traffic accident, call us on 01244 312306 for free impartial advice. You can also email us at law@oliverandco.co.uk You should always seek legal advice before accepting any offers from insurance companies.
