What to do After a Car Accident
If we are honest, not many of us ever think we will be involved in a road traffic accident. However, the reality of it is that accidents are a frequent occurrence on UK roads. In 2021, over 27,300 individuals faced death or serious injury due to accidents. The cumulative human toll for severe casualties in road incidents exceeded 3.5 billion pounds in 2020.
Whether it’s a minor collision or a major accident, these incidents can be over in an instant. However, the shock, fear, or injuries sustained often make it challenging to recall the necessary steps in the immediate aftermath.
If you sustain injuries in a car accident and it wasn’t your fault, there is a good chance you will be eligible for compensation. This blog is designed to provide you with the information needed to ensure you take all the steps necessary to give your claim the best chance of success in your car crash claim. We will highlight all the things you should do after an accident to ensure you not only stay safe but also get the car accident compensation you deserve. If you were involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault and believe you are eligible for compensation, contact Tylers Solicitors today.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Things Do I Need to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
- Do Minor Accidents Have to be Reported to the Police
- What Information Do You Need to Record at the Scene of an Accident
- What are the Most Common Types of Injury Sustained in a Road Traffic Accident
- Always Get Medical Help
- How To Go About Claiming Car Accident Compensation
What Things Do I Need to Do Immediately After a Car Accident
Being involved in a car accident can be distressing for all parties. Irrespective of fault or the severity of the incident, it’s crucial to follow specific steps in the aftermath to ensure the safety of yourself and fellow road users.
- Pull over safely if it is at all possible.
- Stop the car, turn off your engine, and put on your hazard lights to warn other road users.
- Check whether you or anyone else in your vehicle is injured, then see if anyone else involved in the accident has been injured. If so, dial 999 for the emergency services.
- Always exchange name, address, contact number, registration details, vehicle owner’s name, and insurance details with the other parties.
- Remember to try and keep as calm as possible. It is important that you do not apologize or admit liability in the aftermath of an accident. It is the job of the police and insurance companies to ascertain and appoint blame.
Do Minor Accidents Have to be Reported to the Police
Reporting minor accidents to the police is not always a necessity. However, there are certain circumstances in which you should always contact the police which are:
- If someone is injured. The police will make a decision on whether an ambulance or the fire brigade should be called.
- If the road has become blocked as a result of the accident.
- If the other vehicle drives off without stopping.
- If you suspect the other driver may be under the influence of drink or drugs.
- If the other driver refuses to give their insurance details or you think there is a possibility they are uninsured.
- If you suspect that the collision has been deliberately caused by the other driver.
What Information Do You Need to Record at the Scene of an Accident?
You have a legal requirement to exchange the following information with anyone involved in a traffic accident:
- Your name and address
- Your insurance information
- The names and addresses of any witnesses
In addition to this, you should also record the following details at the accident scene:
- Date and time of the accident
- Location of the accident
- Weather and road conditions
- Make, model, and licence plate number of all vehicles involved
- Nature and extent of any damage to property or vehicles
- Any injuries sustained by anyone involved in the accident
Here are some tips for documenting an accident scene which, if you are looking to pursue a claim for car accident compensation, will help strengthen your case:
- Take photos and videos of the scene, damage to vehicles, and injuries, from multiple angles.
- Get witness statements, including their names, addresses, and contact information.
- Write down a detailed account of the accident, including what happened leading up to the crash, how it happened, and the actions taken by everyone involved.
Keep all of this information in a safe place, as it may be needed by your insurance company, law enforcement, or the court.
What are the Most Common Types of Injury Sustained in a Road Traffic Accident
The most common types of injuries sustained in a car accident are:
- Soft tissue injuries: These are injuries to the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. They can include sprains, strains, and whiplash.
- Broken bones: Fractures can occur anywhere in the body, but they are most common in the legs, arms, ribs, and pelvis.
- Head and brain injuries: Head injuries can range from mild concussions to severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
- Internal injuries: Internal injuries can damage the organs, such as the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys.
Other common injuries sustained in road traffic accidents include:
- Cuts and bruises: These are minor injuries that usually heal on their own.
- Burns: Burns can occur from contact with hot metal, fire, or chemicals.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries can be very serious and can lead to paralysis.
The severity of injuries sustained in a car accident can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the type of accident, the speed of the vehicles involved, and whether or not the occupants were wearing seatbelts. However, even minor injuries can be painful and disruptive to daily life.
If you are involved in a road traffic accident, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if you do not feel injured. Some injuries, such as internal injuries and TBIs, may not be immediately obvious.
Always Get Medical Help
Even if you think you were unharmed in the accident, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. This is because some injuries, such as whiplash, can take hours or even days to become apparent. Other injuries, such as fractures and internal bleeding, may require an in-depth examination to be detected.
It is also important to keep receipts for any expenses caused by your injuries, as well as noting any earnings lost through time spent off work. This information will be used to calculate your compensation, so that you are not left out of pocket.
How To Go About Claiming Car Accident Compensation
If you have been injured in a road accident that was not your fault, the team here at Tylers Solicitors will be able to help you claim compensation for your injuries and the impact they have had on your life.
While car accident claims may seem like a lot of hassle, our team will do most of the work for you. This means you can get the money you need to move on without the stress of dealing with legal paperwork and complicated terms.
When calculating your compensation, our team will consider all the effects of the road accident. This includes any lost earnings, transport costs while your car is being repaired or replaced, social events and hobbies you have missed out on, and the impact on your mental wellbeing. To start your compensation claim, contact Tylers Solicitors on 0800 699 0079 or via our online contact form!