Every year, millions of drivers experience the shock of a car accident, whether that be a small scratch or a major collision. In the shock of the moment, it’s hard to understand what you should do, through all the adrenaline and confusion. This can leave you feeling hopeless and wondering what the next steps are and how to resolve the situation.
Not knowing what you should do in this situation can lead to costly mistakes that can greatly affect your future and that of your vehicle. Details such as evidence, forgetting to report an incident and failing to obtain the correct medical care can be costly for both you and your car. This is why this guide will go through the essential five steps that you should do immediately after a car accident to protect yourself, your passengers and your future so you can stay calm and do what’s best.
Situations such as these can be the most dreaded part of life, but guides like this can reduce the dread and mitigate the negative outcomes as much as possible.
Step 1: Assess for injuries and ensure safety
Assess the situation- The first step that you should take after a crash is to ensure that you and anyone else in the car is not injured. Make sure that you take a deep breath, and then prioritise the safety of you and others, before you even contact any help. You must do this step first to aid anyone who is in imminent danger or distress.
Call emergency services- If you or someone else in the car is injured, then call 999 immediately. Even if injuries seem minor or too small for professional attention, medical attention should still be sought after. This is because some injuries may be internal or not feel as severe due to the adrenaline of the accident, so symptoms can be delayed. Whiplash and concussion are examples of these kinds of internal injuries that may not show symptoms straight away.
Move to a safe location- It’s important to move away from the scene to avoid any further injury. If vehicles are drivable, move them to the side to get out of the way of any on-coming traffic. Turning on the hazard lights is also essential to ensure that other vehicles around you are aware of the crash, especially if it is dark or low vision.
Don’t leave the scene- Staying with or near your vehicle is highly advised after an accident. Leaving a scene, even a small one, can be considered a hit and run. This can get you into trouble with the police, as this is a serious offence. Therefore, it’s essential to stay until it’s appropriate to leave.
Step 2: Call the police and file a report
Why – Reporting an incident to the police provides an official report, which is essential for any insurance claims you may want to make and legal protection. This makes the process easier for all involved in the future.
When- It’s best to report the incident to the police if there is any damage to the vehicle, injuries or if there is any uncooperative behaviour from the other drivers involved.
What to do whilst waiting- Whilst you’re waiting for the police to arrive, it’s important to do a few things. Gathering details such as license plates, witnesses and pictures of any damage to the vehicle and any physical injuries. Avoid discussing with others, whose fault it is to prevent arguments and any disputes at the scene and cause more upset.
Once police arrive – Once the police arrive, provide defined and accurate information. Gain information about the officer’s name and where you can contact them in the future if you have any questions or need assistance.
Step 3: Document the scene thoroughly
Documentation is essential for insurance companies and legal teams as claims rely on the evidence at the scene. It’s also important that you don’t rely solely on memory and have all details recorded, so you don’t forget significant details, such as what lane you were in.
What to photograph:
- All vehicles involved
- Close-ups of any damage
- Skid marks, debris and road signs
- Licence plates
- Visible injuries
- Anything you think is significant in the surrounding environment
What to write down:
- Date, time and location of the incident
- Contact information of all drivers
- Insurance information of drivers
- Names and contact information of witnesses
- Police offer details and the report number
Tip- Use voice notes or notes on your phone to collect all of the information.
Step 4: Exchange information and notify your insurance company
Exchange essential information with other drivers so that you can contact them throughout the process. Details such as full names and contact numbers, driver’s license numbers, registration plate and insurance company and policy numbers. All this information will help with the repairs and legal process. During this exchange, it’s best to be polite and professional, avoiding arguments to make it a quick and easy process. Never sign statements or agreements at the scene unless required police.
Report the accident as soon as possible to your insurance, within a 24-hour window. Provide them with all details and documentation that you’ve gathered, including any photos that you’ve taken. Ask questions about what kind of coverage applies and if you are eligible for credit hire claims for a temporary rental car, which a solicitor like Bond Turner can assist you with. Also, ask what the next steps will be for repair and inspections.
Step 5: Seek medical attention and monitor your health
Even if you feel like you are fine, it’s critical to get thoroughly checked out, especially for internal injuries, as these are very common in car accidents. Head injuries and back injuries are extremely common and can be fatal in severe situations. This is why it’s essential to visit a doctor or an A&E clinic as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours. Ensure to describe all side effects and symptoms, no matter how small, to your doctor and collect notes and prescriptions for insurance purposes.
Follow up on injuries, as whiplash can appear days later and should be followed closely for any more pain and discomfort. Mental health is just as important as physical health. Crashes can trigger anxiety, post-accident stress or even PTSD; therefore, seeking professional help after a crash if you are suffering mentally is extremely important.
Final thoughts
Car accidents can be stressful, but knowing what to do can make a huge difference, helping you to stay calm, assess the situation and collect the information you need. This can lead to a better outcome health wise for everyone involved and to help you to get the compensation you deserve.