Been in a car accident?
Being involved in a car accident can be a very stressful experience. You can take away much of the trauma however, if you know what to do, keep a calm head, and follow some basic steps.
Why do Accidents Happen?
Most accidents are the result of driver error. This could be through poor judgement, a lack of concentration, or even recklessness. Because of that, they are more often now referred to as ‘incidents,’ rather than accidents.
Priorities at the Accident Scene
If your vehicle is in a position where it will be in the way of other traffic, switch on your hazard warning lights. You should then check to make sure that no-one is injured. If they are, call for help. When someone sustains an injury in a car accident, you also need to inform the police. Next, you need to make the area safe. If you can, move your vehicle into a safe place. Also, if necessary, place a red warning triangle if you carry one, to warn other drivers that there is a problem. You should place this behind your car on the same side of the road, around 45 metres away.
Get Details
Once the area is safe, you need to exchange details with all the other parties involved. This includes:
- names and addresses
- the make and model of other vehicles
- registration numbers
- details of insurance companies
If the other party is uncooperative in sharing their details, you should call the police. They have a legal obligation to exchange details with anyone who needs them when they’re involved in a car accident.
Even if you feel you were at fault for the collision, never admit responsibility at the scene. Keep calm, be diplomatic, and just do what is necessary to stay safe and within the law. Your insurance company will decide who is liable in any claim.
Gather Evidence
It is also a good idea to take photos. Include any damage to your own car and any other vehicles. These will be valuable evidence to back up or contest any insurance claims.
If there are any witnesses, be sure to also take down their details. Any statements they can provide can make it much easier for your insurance company to decide the outcome of any claim made.
Report It
You should then contact your insurance company as soon as possible to inform them of the incident. Most companies now allow you to do this by filling in an online form. If you’re not certain what to do however, call your insurer, they will guide you through the necessary steps.
You may feel fine after the incident, but sometimes shock can delay the symptoms of injury. If you find that you later feel any kind of problem that may have resulted from the incident, go to a hospital for a check-up. You may be able to claim for any injuries you sustain.
Keep all the information you have gathered in a safe place. Insurance claims can take a long time to settle. You may need to refer back to details and statements long after the incident occurred. Having everything to hand will make the process easier to manage.