Car accident claims advice - what you should do after a road collision

What to do after a car accident

General advice on the steps to take after a car crash in the UK.

This legal advice website is managed by Winston Solicitors LLP, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Winston Solicitors offer a Personal injury compensation claim advice service.

The vast majority of road accidents that occur in the UK do not result in casualties. Many accidents are fortunately quite minor in nature and are easily dealt with. However there are certain procedures that should always be followed after an accident has occurred. These procedures apply to all road collisions including cycle accidents or pedestrian cases.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO AFTER A ROAD ACCIDENT

1) Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers (mobiles only if there is no alternative) insurance company details and registration numbers.

2) Identify the driver of the other vehicle and who the owner of the vehicle is. Who insures the vehicle?

3) Note a description of each vehicle, including year, make, model, colour and damage sustained. This latter point can be very important.

4) Note the exact location of the collision and how it happened - take photos if at all possible (even use a camera phone if need be) and provide a small diagram for your insurers.

5) Do not discuss who was to blame for the accident in the aftermath and certainly make no admissions. This could cause problems when your insurers become involved.

6) Note the names addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses.

7) Inform the police - The police don't attend RTA's where there are no obvious sign of injury but it is still worth reporting every incident. You may have problems with the other driver later on should always involve the police if insurance details are not forthcoming.

8) Report the accident to your motor insurers as soon as you can. Do not prejudice your right to indemnity by failing to comply with policy conditions that will always demand that every accident is reported.

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