No one plans to be in a car accident, but they can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. Knowing what to do if you have a car accident can help you stay safe, protect your rights, and make the process of dealing with the aftermath much smoother. Whether the accident was serious or minor, following the right steps is important.
In this article, you will learn what to do immediately after a crash, how to handle tricky situations like when the other driver won’t admit fault, and what to expect if your car accident was not your fault. We will also explain who is usually responsible in side impact collisions and other common scenarios in the UK.
What To Do Immediately After A Car Accident
If you are involved in a car accident, the first thing to do is to stay calm and think clearly. Accidents can be shocking, but your safety and the safety of others is the top priority.
1. Stop Your Vehicle Safely
As soon as you realise an accident has happened, pull over safely to the side of the road or a safe place nearby. Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers that there is an incident.
2. Check Yourself and Others for Injuries
Check if you, your passengers, or anyone else involved in the accident is injured. If anyone is hurt, call 999 immediately to get help from the emergency services. Even if injuries seem minor, it is best to get medical help quickly.
If someone appears seriously hurt, avoid moving them unless there is immediate danger, like a fire.
3. Stay at the Scene
You must stay at the accident scene. Leaving without exchanging information or reporting the accident could get you into legal trouble.
What Information Should You Exchange At The Scene?
Under UK law, you must exchange certain details with the other driver after an accident. This helps with insurance claims and any legal issues that may follow.
You need to share and collect:
- Your name, address, and contact details.
- Your vehicle registration number.
- The other driver’s name and address.
- The insurance company name and policy number for all vehicles involved.
- The name and address of the vehicle owner if different from the driver.
What If The Other Driver Won’t Admit Fault?
It is common to want the other driver to admit they caused the accident, but sometimes they won’t admit fault. This can be frustrating, especially if you believe the car accident was not your fault.
Here’s what you should do:
- Do not argue or admit fault yourself. Keep calm and don’t say anything that could be taken as accepting blame.
- Gather evidence at the scene. Take clear photos of all vehicles involved, including damage, road signs, skid marks, and the surrounding area.
- Write down or record what happened. Note the time, weather, road conditions, and any details that might be important.
- Get witness details. If anyone saw the accident, ask for their contact information. Their statements can help prove who was at fault.
- Consider a dashcam. If you have a dashcam, save the footage immediately as it can be crucial evidence.
Even if the other driver denies fault at the scene, your insurance company and, if necessary, solicitors can investigate and decide liability later.
What Should You Do If You Were Not At Fault?
If you know the car accident was not your fault, it is important to:
- Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurers expect you to report within 24 hours.
- Keep records of everything related to the accident, such as police reports, medical records, repair bills, and correspondence with insurance companies.
- Seek medical attention even if you feel fine, as some injuries may not show symptoms right away.
- Contact a personal injury solicitor if you have been hurt. They can guide you through claiming compensation.
Remember, being not at fault does not mean you cannot take steps to protect yourself.
Side Impact Collision: Who’s At Fault In The UK?
Side impact collisions, often called T-bone or broadside accidents, occur when one vehicle hits the side of another. These crashes can happen at junctions, roundabouts, or when a driver fails to give way.
Determining fault in side impact collisions depends on the circumstances:
- If a driver failed to stop at a junction or give way: They are usually at fault.
- If one driver ran a red light: That driver is likely responsible.
- If the accident occurred because a driver was reversing or turning improperly: They might be to blame.
- If the other driver was clearly careless or reckless: They will probably be found at fault.
It is important to collect as much evidence as possible. Photos, witness statements, and police reports can help prove who caused the accident.
Should You Call The Police?
In the UK, you must call the police immediately if:
- Anyone is injured.
- The accident causes damage to property or blocks the road.
- The other driver fails to stop or provide their details.
- You suspect the other driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Even if you think the accident was minor, calling the police can help you by creating an official record of the incident.
What Happens If The Other Driver Flees The Scene?
If the other driver does not stop or exchange details (called a “hit and run”), you should:
- Write down as many details as you can about the vehicle, such as the registration number, make, model, colour, and direction of travel.
- Report the incident to the police as soon as possible.
- Inform your insurance company right away.
In hit-and-run cases, your insurance or the police may be able to investigate and trace the other driver.
Should You See A Doctor After The Accident?
Even if you don’t feel injured, it is wise to see a doctor after a car accident. Some injuries, like whiplash, can take days to show symptoms. A medical report is also important if you want to make a claim for compensation later
How To Handle Insurance After A Car Accident
- Report the accident to your insurance company quickly, usually within 24 hours.
- Provide honest and accurate information but avoid admitting fault.
- Follow your insurer’s instructions about getting your vehicle repaired.
- Keep copies of all communication with your insurer.
- If you believe the other driver was at fault but they deny it, your insurer may still cover your damages and try to recover costs from the other party’s insurer later.
How To Avoid Being Scammed: Crash-for-Cash Claims
Crash-for-cash scams happen when fraudsters cause accidents deliberately to claim insurance money. Watch out for suspicious behaviour such as:
- A vehicle suddenly braking for no reason.
- Drivers flashing lights to trick you into moving and then crashing into you.
- Vehicles without brake lights.
Keep a safe distance, stay alert, and consider installing a dashcam to protect yourself.
What To Do If You Need To Leave The Scene
You should only leave the accident scene when you have:
- Exchanged all required information.
- Provided details to the police if they arrived.
- Ensured it is safe to leave (your vehicle is drivable and no one needs emergency help).
Leaving too early without doing these things could be illegal and affect your insurance claim.
Summary: Your Checklist After A Car Accident
- Stop safely and turn on hazard lights.
- Check for injuries and call emergency services if needed.
- Stay calm and stay at the scene.
- Exchange driver and insurance details.
- Take photos of damage, road conditions, and the scene.
- Get witness details if possible.
- Call the police if necessary.
- Report the accident to your insurer promptly.
- See a doctor even if you feel fine.
- Avoid admitting fault or apologising.
- Contact a solicitor if you plan to claim compensation.
Final Advice
Being involved in a car accident can be stressful, but knowing what to do can protect you and help you get through the process. Whether the other driver won’t admit fault, you were involved in a side impact collision, or you are unsure who is to blame, staying calm, collecting evidence, and reporting the accident properly is essential.
If you have been injured or suffered losses because of a car accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact a trusted personal injury solicitor to understand your options and get support.
