What to do if You're in a Vehicle Collision
It’s a situation we all dread being involved in; however, road accidents do happen.
Even if you think you’re the best driver in the world, you can’t control the vast array of external hazards when you set out in your car. Therefore, it’s important to remember the following important points, should you find yourself having to deal with a vehicle collision.
What to do following a car accident
1. Stop your car immediately and turn the engine off. Under the Road Traffic Act, it’s an offence to abandon the scene of an accident, so you must never leave the scene until it has been dealt with properly
2. Turn on your hazard lights to inform other road users of the situation
3. Check whether anyone has been injured in the collision. If there are any serious injuries, you need to call an ambulance immediately
4. Call the Police on 999 if it’s a major crash, or 101 if it’s a minor collision. The Police will be able to advise on the best course of action from here
5. If no one in your car is seriously injured, get out of the vehicle to assess what’s happening
6. It’s important to remain as calm as possible, even if you’re frustrated that it wasn’t your fault. Getting angry is only likely to make the situation worse
7. Take of photographs of the scene, any injuries sustained and any damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle(s) involved – try to get multiple angles if possible
8. Do not admit responsibility or apologise for the collision, even if you suspect you may have been at fault. Doing so could negate any accident compensation claims you file, even if you weren’t actually at fault
9. Document the time and date of the incident, any driving conditions or suspicious circumstances which may have contributed to the collision, and the make, model and registration number of each vehicle involved
10. If there are any witnesses, take their full names and contact details
11. Ask all drivers involved for their car insurance details
12. If your car is too damaged to be driven, call your recovery service for assistance
13. As soon are you can, ring your insurance company, or contact Macklin Motors Accident Aftercare, who will be able to arrange an estimate and repair of your vehicle at one of our approved body centres
If you decide to call the Accident Aftercare line, our team will liaise with your insurers and the body shop directly, and will organise a complimentary courtesy car, if the accident was not your fault. Our accidents and repairs service will be there for you when you need it – with exemplary workmanship and customer care guaranteed.
Plus, did you know - if your vehicle is written off, many insurers will only pay the market value of the car, not the original price you paid for it? Often, this won’t be enough to replace your current vehicle, or pay off any outstanding finance.
If you do find yourself in a road collision, following the steps outlined in this guide should ensure the process is managed effectively, allowing you to get back on the roads as soon as possible.