What to do After a Car Accident

In the immediate aftermath of a car accident, it may feel overwhelming and daunting as you try to process what has just happened.

The people involved may be injured, vehicles damaged and confused about what to do next. This is perfectly natural, but it is important to ensure several actions take place in the interests of those involved, their safety, and the ongoing process of dealing with the fall-out from the accident.

See if anyone is injured

This is the most pressing thing to do after an accident. Ensuring everyone involved is in a state where they don’t require immediate medical treatment is vitally important. Ensure everyone is gathered in a safe space, away from the accident and any traffic that may still be flowing around the incident.

Calling the emergency services quickly is hugely important, particularly if there are any injuries to those involved. The police should also be called, especially if it is causing an obstruction in the road and if you suspect foul play, or if the other driver attempts to leave the scene without swapping details.

Exchange details

As mentioned above, it is important to begin the process of sorting out the fall-out from an accident by exchanging details. These include retrieving their name, address, contact number, vehicle registration number, and insurance details. This will speed up the process that follows. It is important in this conversation between the two drivers to avoid admitting blame as this may be problematic further down the line if you are the innocent party.

Collect as much information as you can

Although the above details are of paramount importance, the immediate aftermath of an accident is a time, circumstances permitting, to collect as much information about the scene as possible.

By taking pictures on your camera phone of the scene, the road layout, the incident area, the damage caused to both vehicles and anything else you think may have contributed to the unfolding scenario – such as standing water on the road – then you make your case stronger should there be any dispute in liability later down the line. Other details to record include the date and time of the accident, your version of events (to avoid forgetting anything important) and the road/weather conditions at the time.

The more information you collect the better as it will provide clarity as the claim progresses.

Are you able to leave the scene in your vehicle?

Make sure there is no obvious damage to your vehicle in terms of the bodywork. Are the wheels still able to rotate and point in the right direction? Are there any leaks or stains on the road that may suggest an oil, fuel, or water leak? Are there any sounds that are out of the ordinary if you decide to start the engine?

It’s important to be certain your vehicle is driveable before setting off. If you have any doubts, call for a company that specialises in the recovery of a vehicle, something the team at Winns can arrange quickly and efficiently if you engage with our award-winning service.

Supply all the information to the relevant bodies

There are key relevant bodies that you need to engage with following a road traffic accident both in terms of law and in terms of making a claim. The police must be informed within 24 hours of the accident and, if they weren’t on the scene, this can be done by ringing 101.

The other important call to make is to Winns; the team will limit the need for a range of phone calls which can be stressful and time-consuming during an unsettling time. The dedicated First Response Team at Winns will arrange all necessary aspects of your claim, including quick recovery, transport, storage, assessment, and repair of your vehicle, with the delivery of a replacement like-for-like vehicle within four working hours of instruction.

No need to call your insurer, no need to call a hire company. No need to put yourself through the hassle and stress of arranging multiple aspects of your claim. Make one call to Winns and we’ll do the rest.

To find out more about our vehicle repair claims following a non-fault accident, click here to be taken to our dedicated information page.

Our team is available 24-hours a day, seven days a week to assist you in the immediate aftermath of a non-fault accident. Choose the accident management firm that’s best in class. Choose Winn Solicitors.

Share this article