People– contact details, description and distinguishing fe… For whatever reason, if the police are not called to the scene of a serious car accident, you should go to the police station … First, always stop if you are involved in an accident. … If you decide to pay for the repairs yourself. It’s common to go into shock, panic, or just have a complete mind-blank about what you should do next. Where the damage is, for example nearside front wing and door (nearside is the left side of your car, offside is the driver's side). Here are the steps you must take.The post What to do after a car accident … Honesty pays - if you drove off but a witness or CCTV camera saw you and noted your car number, you could land yourself in trouble. They’ll ask for: Even if you don’t want to claim yourself, you should report the accident to your insurance company within a reasonable time. The steps you take after a car accident can save lives, reduce injuries, help ensure quick settlement of your car insurance claim, and keep you out of trouble with the law; however, when you are stressed, it can be hard to remember what to do after a car accident… What to do after a car accident. Ask the other drivers involved for their car insurance details and try to establish whether they are the registered keeper of their vehicle. When you're involved in a car accident you’re obliged to give your name and address to anyone else involved. If you're a Member with breakdown cover, call our Accident Assist team for help. Enjoy discounts on restaurants, days out, car care and more. If you’re not an AA member, you can call your insurer after an accident to discuss your options. The claims can be exaggerated (sometimes including recovery vehicle, car hire, or whiplash injuries to others that haven't occurred) to maximise the money they try to win back. If the accident does not require an emergency police response, call the police on 101 instead. By continuing to browse you consent to our use of cookies. First month £5, then £9.99 per month, cancel anytime. We'll take the hassle out of making an insurance claim and get you back on the road again. Failure to do so within the time period set out in your policy may invalidate your cover, leaving you with a big bill to pay. Make sure you check the wording of your car insurance policy carefully as these time periods can be anything from two days to two weeks after the accident. For all the vehicles and people involved in the accident, take down the following details or photos: Anyone who's been involved in a road accident has the right to choose who repairs their vehicle. It's an offence to leave the scene of a collision. Stop. The driver's name, address and phone number. Scene– date, time, location, weather conditions, traffic conditions, road markings and signs or signals. Driving conditions, lighting and weather. When you know what needs to be done after … Immediately after the car accident, you should make sure that you and your passengers are safe and that if anyone needs emergency treatment, that they get it. He was virtually declared a hero for pulling some injured persons from their wrecked car … Make sure you tell your insurer about the car accident as soon as you can. Through our vehicle checks and approved dealer network, AA Cars helps you buy with confidence. You suspect that the other driver caused the collision deliberately. Being left at the side of the road is never fun, even if you haven't had a crash. Tell us about your problem and track your rescue. Once the dust has settled, you will need to inform your insurer of the accident and, if your car is sufficiently damaged, begin the process of making a claim. Only cars that are reliable, economical, comfortable, safe and good to drive can become a Which? It’s not a nice thought, but car accidents happen and it’s important to know what to do if  you’re caught up in one. A sketch showing the positions of the vehicles involved. If you choose to claim directly through your insurer, you'll need to contact them to report the claim. Here are some other important details you should try to collect at the scene of the car accident: You may find it useful to take photos of the car accident for use as evidence. If you want to continue with your claim, your insurance company will let you know what you need to do. Switch off the engine. The most important thing as always ensuring that yourself and everyone around you is safe, after checking this, there are … Share your name and address with everyone involved if the accident caused damage or injury – the law says you must do this. Find help to manage your current loan or apply online for additional borrowing. The driver's insurance details, if you have them. 2. You should make sure your car’s engine is switched off and then turn your hazard lights on to alert other road users to your presence. Become a Member today from just £6 a month. In fact, failing to do so is an offence under the Road Traffic Act. If the car accident involved another vehicle you will need to provide your insurance company with details of the other driver. Also provide the contact details of any witnesses who have agreed to support your claim. If you have a dash cam in your car, store the incident details and video footage. It’s against the law to drive away following an accident. Car accidents are an upsetting experience, but there are certain things you need to do immediately after having one. Visit our dash cam reviews to find out the models we recommend. The first thing to do is stop. You can choose to either claim on your own car insurance policy or make a claim independently of your insurer. Minimise the time you spend stranded by checking out our guide to the best breakdown cover providers. Turn your hazard lights on - this is the … If you are an AA member, you can choose to call us first and we’ll handle everything, including liaising with insurers. If you're thinking about changing your car, giving your home a new lease of life, or just want to consolidate your borrowing – a loan with us could help. Move to a safer area. Not all car insurance companies are the same. Prepare yourself for a phone claim. If a foreign lorry's involved, get the numbers on both the lorry and its trailer, sometimes they are different. If you're involved in a car crash put your hazard lights on and get out of the car once it's safe to do so. Auto accidents can happen at any time. Had an accident? Child car seats are designed to protect children in the event of a crash. an offence Switch off the engine and turn on the hazard lights Check for any injuries to yourself Crash-for-cash claimants are people who deliberately arrange accidents in order to make a fraudulent insurance claim. To keep your no claims discount intact, if you don't have a 'protected no claims discount'. Try to provide: You will also need to give your insurance company as much information about the accident as possible. Find out which providers our members were most satisfied with in our guide to the best and worst car insurance. You can call us for expert help and advice when you need it most, anytime of the day or night. If you had to move due to safety concerns, then take photos of the damage to each vehicle. Accidents occur completely unexpectedly, and when they do, everything seems to happen so quickly. Log in to see your policy documents, keep tabs on renewal dates and check your cover level. After a car accident, things can often be resolved without calling the police if no-one’s injured and the other people involved co-operate with you. No matter how great a defensive driver you are accidents will happen. It’s understandable to feel shaken after a car crash. Report the accident to your insurance company. Get their: Don't apologise or admit responsibility for the crash until you're completely aware of what happened – this can protect you from liability if it wasn't your fault. While waiting at a T-junction, a car travelling along the major road was clipped by a van that … In the US, it is estimated that there are more than 6 million people involved in crashes. Car accidents should also be reported to the police within 24 hours. The police should also be called if the car accident is blocking the road or if you feel there was foul play involved –  if you suspect you’re a victim of a ‘crash for cash’ scam, for example, where a driver deliberately causes an accident to make a fraudulent insurance claim. When you have a car accident, there are a few keys things you need to do to make sure you are protected. Exchanging details at the scene of a car accident is very important. Failing to stop after a car accident is a genuine offence in the UK under the Road Traffic Act, but it’s also pretty inconsiderate and makes proceedings a lot more difficult than they need to be. If you’re unlucky enough to be involved in a car accident, here are the steps you need to take to deal with it quickly and smoothly. A few years ago, a star collegiate football player was praised by the news media for his actions at the scene of an automobile accident. How long long you have to to file an insurance claim after a car accident varies. Therefore, you should always carry the following necessary items in your car … You think the other driver has no insurance or is under the influence of drink or drugs. Its also a good idea to get the name of the company if its painted on the lorry. Call the police and an ambulance immediately if anyone is hurt or if the road is blocked. Call an ambulance if necessary, Call the police - 999 or 101 depending on the situation, Give your details to anyone else involved, Collect details from any other drivers, passengers or witnesses. How to make a claim. Some car … You can use your phone to take pictures of the scene, the positions of the cars involved, and damage to the cars. Read on to find out more about the steps you need to take to make a claim. If you don't, it could breach the terms and conditions of your insurance. Safety is your first priority after a crash, said Eric Brandt, … While you may be the most cautious driver on the planet, many drivers are not. You can call our Accident Assist team 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for support and advice following an accident. Avoid staying in the vehicle if you're on a motorway or … Automobile Association Developments Ltd. Find a trusted garage and book, hassle-free, with Smart Care. Take your time. If other people were involved in the accident, your insurance company will contact their insurance companies and resolve the claims. Always tell your insurer about an accident straight away, even if you don’t want to make a claim. You'll be less likely to be involved in such a scam if you keep your eyes open and: Some drivers install dash-cams to show their innocence against a crash-for-cash claim. What to do after recording an accident came to our attention after we caught one on video. You must report the accident to the police within 24 hours if you do not give your details at the time of the accident. Don’t start the claim process while you are still in shock or emotionally upset after the accident. ... ©2021 Hearst UK is the trading name of the National Magazine Company Ltd, 30 Panton Street, Leicester Square, London, SW1Y 4AJ. Calling the emergency services is advisable in … Best Buy - see our Best Buy car reviews. What to do after a car accident - top tips. If you decide to … Registered in … 1. If your car is safe to … Take down details of any other passengers and witnesses to the accident. Even if you … If you're able to, move to the side of the road or a sidewalk. A list of damage to vehicles and a description of any injuries sustained by pedestrians, drivers and passengers. Find out more about what’s included with Accident Assist. Make us your first call. If you’re involved in an accident, try to stay calm. A description of the weather conditions, plus anything unusual you notice about the road quality or lighting. Any injuries to drivers, passengers, or pedestrians. Even if you don’t want to claim yourself, you should report the accident to your insurance company within a reasonable time.