What should I do if I am in a road traffic accident?

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.

Liaise with the drivers of all vehicles involved and request their personal details including name, address, contact number and insurance details.

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).

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.

Take the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses.

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.

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.

If you are the driver of the vehicle, report the accident to your insurance company at the earliest opportunity.