Auto Trader

What to do at the scene of an accident

If you’re involved in an accident, it is important to get as much information as possible. If you are injured or in a state of shock, there is still information you can provide by returning to the scene of the accident as soon as possible and jotting down a few pointers.

This will assist your claim by helping both your insurance company and solicitor obtain the best possible outcome at a later date. It is advisable to carry a pen, paper and disposable camera in your car to help you to accurately record the accident details.

Information to collect if possible at the time of incident

• Contact details including names, addresses and telephone numbers of drivers, pedestrians and passengers involved. If a party is driving within the course of his employment, take both the driver and the employer's details. It may be worth noting a description of the driver, location and any distinguishing features
• Time and date of the accident
• Gather as many vehicle details including vehicle make, model, registration number, colour, any modifications and if relevant, the number of passengers in each vehicle
• Whether the parties were using headlights and/or indicator lights
• The weather, visibility and lighting conditions, including street lighting
• Name, "collar number" and force details of any police officer attending and other emergency services details if appropriate
• Identify the damage to each vehicle involved.
• Identify any injuries to persons involved
• If you have a camera, take some photographs of the accident scene

Useful information to jot down at the time or after the accident

• A full description of what happened including sketches of the vehicles’ positioning.
• Estimated speed of the vehicles involved
• The type of road
• A description of the scene of the accident, including any relevant road markings, signals, obstructions etc (i.e. skip outside property at road junction)
• Whether the parties were using headlights or indicator

Reporting

• It is an offence to refuse to give details to the other driver following an accident, if there has been injury or property damage
• Accidents must be reported to the police within 24 hours
• Inform your insurance company of the accident as quickly as possible. The company may refuse to insure you if you have not notified them of the accident within the time period set out in the policy.