Car accidents are one of the most common causes of accidents in the UK. Per road safety charity Brake, a person is gravely injured or killed every 16 minutes following a road collision.
While some car accidents are less severe, all can cause injury. Some can even lead to consequences like not being able to work. If you have been involved in a car accident and wish to make a road traffic accident claim, below is all the information you need on how to get started.
Stop At The Scene
If you do find yourself in a car accident, the very first thing you should do is slow down. If you were on the way to an event at the time of the accident, you’ll probably be tempted to carry on your journey if possible. However, stopping and taking note of things will help you in the long run.
It’s unlikely you’ll know whether you want to make a claim at the time. However, if you do, leaving the scene of the accident without noting down any details will work against you. Being able to say what happened is fine, but concrete evidence is vital when making a claim.
Because of this, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Not only will it make the claims process simpler, but gathering evidence will also make sorting out the insurance side of things easier.
If you plan on making a road traffic accident claim, the steps listed below will help you to potentially obtain compensation.
Exchange Details With The Driver
After stopping, it’s important to take stock of the situation. One of the ways you can do this is to ensure you get as much information as possible from the other driver involved in the crash.
Tensions may be high but aim to keep a level head. Arguing won’t help to solve anything, nor will allocating blame. Don’t try to put responsibility on the other driver unless they clearly accept it.
Instead, calmly ask them for their details and give them yours. At a minimum, you should exchange insurance details, take down the registration of the driver’s car, and give the driver a clear way to contact you — ensure you get their contact details, too.
If possible, note the time and the place of the car accident and the registration number and model of the other driver’s car. Allow them to do the same for your car. Additionally, writing down information like the time, date, and place where the accident happened. These details may allow you to obtain camera footage.
Take Photographs Of The Scene And Damage
Speaking of cameras, it’s time to get out your phone after exchanging details with the other driver. Take photos of anything you think could be relevant, from a scratch on your car bonnet to any dents. Check the wheels of your car, too.
Don’t just focus on the cars involved in the crash. Take pictures of any injuries you have sustained, including any seemingly minor cuts or bruises. Injuries can develop over time, and having proof of them will help the claims process to run more smoothly.
In addition to snapping pictures of your injury and car, look at your surroundings. Marks on the road, road signs, or other location signals are all useful things to have when making a claim.
If you don’t have a phone to hand or it has been damaged, ask the person with you or anyone nearby if you can borrow theirs. This leads to the next step you should take – seeking out witnesses.
Speak To Any Witnesses
Depending on where the car accident happened, you might be able to speak to people who witnessed the accident.
If it occurred in a place like a busy road or a motorway, it’s likely there will be witnesses.
Witnesses can be people who were driving or walking by at the time of the accident. You can even go into local shops near where the accident took place and ask customers or staff if they saw anything.
Remember to ask nicely. People are more likely to give contact details and information if they feel they have been approached with good intentions. This is also the time to ask for any pictures or video recordings a witness might have taken.
When you make a road traffic accident claim, witness accounts, pictures, and videos that back up what you are saying will all assist your case. Do not put pressure on or ask a witness to say a specific thing, even if it’s true.
Get Legal Advice
If you are thinking of pursuing a compensation claim, it’s better to do so sooner rather than later. Always do your research before going ahead. Some law firms offer a free advice service.
Additionally, look into any unions you are part of. Some offer free legal advice and can guide you through the process of making a road traffic accident claim.
When seeking legal advice, be open about everything regarding the car accident. Share all evidence you have and any witness evidence. The more open you are, the better legal advice you’ll receive. Withholding evidence or information could produce advice that isn’t necessarily applicable to your case.
You can then decide whether or not a claim is worth it. While it can be good to get the ball rolling, you don’t want to invest time, energy, or money into making a claim that doesn’t end up going anywhere.
In Summary
Being involved in a car accident can be a scary experience. If you are left with injuries that impact your social life or ability to work, going forward with a road traffic accident claim is definitely something to consider.
However, making a claim can be a stressful and confusing process in itself. Sometimes, it can be difficult to even know where to start. By noting the above steps, you’ll have a better grasp of what to do if a car accident happens.
