What to Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident

Motor vehicle accidents happen every day and drivers should have a good idea of what to do if they are involved in one. Following these guidelines is not only important for succeeding in car accident compensation claims – failing to follow them could actually leave a driver facing criminal charges.
While emotions frequently run high following car accidents, you should not allow yourself to become hysterical or overly-emotional. Try to keep a cool head and you will be able to think more clearly.
It is important to remember that a motor vehicle accident is not an adversarial confrontation. Although you might feel annoyed with the other driver or feel like they are being imposing by asking you for personal information, they are not doing this because of any personal problem with you. Do not let tempers flare or you could find yourself facing criminal charges or paying out a person’s personal injury compensation.

1. Stop

Failing to stop after being involved in a motor vehicle accident is illegal and drivers who do not could be prosecuted for compensation claim for road traffic accident, under the Road Traffic Act. Even if the other driver speeds away, you should still stop.
Switch your engine off and turn your hazard warning lights on.

2. Call the Police

If the car accident was minor and nobody appears to have suffered an injury, then call the non-emergency number 101 so the police can clear the road. If a driver is injured, then call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.  If the other driver sped away after the accident, then call 999 immediately and tell them what happened.

3. Exchange details with the other Driver

Providing that the other driver has stopped, you should both begin exchanging information with each-other. Do not apologise or admit liability, as this could affect the outcome of a car accident compensation claim.
You should also provide your details if you damage a parked car. Write a note and leave it on the car’s windscreen underneath the window wiper. Provide your name and address and a contact number.

4. Record information

You should record the following details following a collision with another driver, if possible:
–          Names, addresses and contact number of any passengers, witnesses and drivers
–          The date and time of the crash
–          The numberplates of any vehicle involved in the collision
–          Details of each vehicle’s make, model and colour
–          Details of each driver’s insurance company
–          Details of any damages vehicles sustained
–          Descriptions of any personal injuries sustained by drivers, pedestrians or passengers
–          A description of the road condition and weather conditions
–          A sketch showing how vehicles were positioned before and after the motor vehicle accident
–          Details of any attending officers
–          What you believe led to the accident
Nowadays, many drivers find taking pictures with their mobile phone can help record many of the previous details. Do not be upset if the other motorist begins taking photographs of your car.

How do I go about claiming for Car Accident Compensation?

Once you have recorded all this information and spoken to the police if required, you are free to leave the scene. You will likely want to begin the process of claiming compensation and repairing your vehicle as quickly as possible. Keep in mind the following steps and you should face no difficulties.

1. Contact your Insurance Company as quickly as possible

Many car insurers have strict time periods set out in their policies, and drivers must inform the company they were in a motor vehicle accident within these time limits in order to make a car accident insurance claim. Check your policy and contact your insurance company immediately.

2. Provide your Insurance Company with any relevant information

Your insurance company will likely be interested in all the information you recorded immediately after the accident. They will tell you how to provide this information. They will want to know any information you have about the drivers as well as the details you recorded regarding the circumstances of the motor vehicle accident. If any witnesses were present when the accident occurred, provide contact information for these people too.

3. Speak to Car Accident Solicitors

If you want to make a car accident compensation claim, you should speak to car accident solicitors. These will make the process of claiming for compensation as easy and as fast as possible. You will be able to seek interim damages to cover the cost of medical treatment or to keep you afloat if the accident is causing you to miss wages. You will also be able to seek the cost of any repairs to your car, or even the cost of a new car if your vehicle is deemed to be a write-off. Claimants can also receive a sum of money as personal injury compensation – this will depend on the extent of any injuries they sustained.