Being involved in a car accident is stressful. Even a minor collision can leave you shaken and unsure of what to do next. This guide walks through what to do at the scene, what to collect, and how the process works after the accident.
1. At the Scene
Safety first. If anyone is injured, call 999. If the vehicles are causing a hazard, move them safely. Turn on hazard lights.
You are legally required to stop and exchange details under Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Failing to stop and provide details after an accident involving injury or damage is an offence.
Exchange:
- Full name and address of the other driver.
- Vehicle registration number.
- Insurance company and policy number (if available).
- Contact telephone number.
If the other driver will not provide details, note the registration and report to police within 24 hours.
2. What to Record at the Scene
The more you collect, the stronger your position.
- Photographs. All vehicles, damage from multiple angles, the wider scene, road markings, signs, skid marks, weather and visibility conditions.
- Witness details. Independent evidence can be decisive in disputed liability cases.
- The other vehicle. Make, model, colour, registration, company name if applicable.
- A brief note. Write down what happened in your own words while it's fresh.
- Do not admit fault. Liability is a legal question.
3. Report to Your Insurer
Notify your insurer as soon as reasonably possible, even if not at fault. Most policies require it.
Have ready: date, time, location, the other driver's details, a brief description, and the crime reference number if police attended.
If the accident was not your fault, you can claim losses from the at-fault driver's insurer — repair or replacement, hire vehicle, personal injury, and out-of-pocket expenses.
4. Your Vehicle: Repair or Write-Off
If repairable, an engineer will assess. Repairs can take days to weeks. If written off, you are entitled to the pre-accident market value — not trade-in value or what you paid. If you believe the insurer's valuation is too low, gather evidence (AutoTrader, dealer comparables) and challenge it.
5. Replacement Vehicle
If not at fault, you are entitled to a replacement while yours is being repaired or you await total-loss settlement. You do not have to accept whatever the at-fault insurer offers. The replacement should be comparable — not a downgrade chosen to save costs.
Credit hire. Many non-fault claimants use credit hire companies who provide the vehicle and recover cost from the at-fault insurer. The claimant does not pay upfront — particularly important for those who cannot afford to hire while waiting for settlement.
6. Personal Injury
See a doctor as soon as possible. Whiplash symptoms can take 24 to 48 hours to develop. Medical records are key to any PI claim.
For most RTA injuries in England and Wales, claims are processed through the Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal if valued up to £5,000. For more serious injuries or disputed liability, the claim may proceed outside the portal.
7. Time Limits
Three years from the date of accident for personal injury (Limitation Act 1980, s.11). Six years for vehicle damage (s.5). Evidence deteriorates and the process takes longer than people expect — start sooner.
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Accepting the first offer. Often not in your best interest.
- Not keeping records. Receipts for taxi, parking, hire, medical, lost earnings.
- Giving a recorded statement too early. Seek legal advice first.
- Assuming non-fault is straightforward. Even clear cases can be disputed.
9. Where to Get Help
- Citizens Advice — citizensadvice.org.uk
- Motor Insurers' Bureau — mib.org.uk (uninsured/untraced drivers)
- Financial Ombudsman Service — financial-ombudsman.org.uk (insurer complaints)
- A solicitor specialising in personal injury — for complex claims
Disclaimer: this guide is general information, not legal advice.