Just Had A Car Accident? Here's Exactly What To Do

## You've Just Had An Accident. Stay Calm.

Your heart's racing. Adrenaline is pumping. Maybe you're in shock.

Take a breath. What happens in the next few minutes matters.

Here's exactly what to do, step by step.

Step 1: Stop And Stay At The Scene

This is the law. Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offence. Even if it seems minor, you must stop.

Turn off your engine. Turn on your hazard lights.

Step 2: Check For Injuries

Check yourself first. Adrenaline can mask pain. Move carefully. Notice if anything hurts.

Check your passengers. Are they responsive? Injured? In pain?

Check the other vehicle. Can you see if they're okay?

• **If anyone is injured:**
• Call 999 immediately
• Don't move injured people unless they're in immediate danger (fire, traffic)
• Keep them warm and calm
• Follow the dispatcher's instructions

Step 3: Move To Safety (If Possible)

If no one is seriously injured and vehicles can be moved:

Move cars to the side of the road. Out of traffic flow if safe to do so.

• **If you can't move the vehicle:**
• Keep hazards on
• Set up warning triangles if you have them (50m behind on normal roads, 150m on motorways)
• Get everyone behind the barrier/away from traffic

• **On the motorway:**
• Exit via the left door if possible
• Get behind the barrier
• Don't attempt repairs or stand near the carriageway

Step 4: Call For Help (If Needed)

• **Call 999 if:**
• Anyone is injured
• Vehicles are blocking the road
• There's damage to property beyond the vehicles
• Other driver appears drunk or uninsured
• You feel threatened

• **Call 101 (non-emergency) if:**
• You need to report the accident but it's not urgent
• The other driver left without details

Step 5: Exchange Details

You are legally required to exchange information with other involved parties.

• **Get from them:**
• Full name
• Address
• Phone number
• Insurance company and policy number
• Vehicle registration
• Make, model, and colour of car

Give them yours too.

• **If they refuse:**
• Note their registration number
• Report to police within 24 hours

Step 6: Document Everything

This is crucial for insurance claims. Do this while still at the scene.

• **Take photos of:**
• All vehicles involved (multiple angles)
• Damage to each vehicle
• The wider scene (road layout, signs, conditions)
• Any injuries visible
• Skid marks or debris
• Weather conditions
• Registration plates

• **Write down:**
• Exact time and location
• What happened (your account)
• Direction each car was travelling
• Speed (approximate)
• Weather and road conditions
• Any witnesses present

Step 7: Get Witness Details

Witnesses can be crucial if there's a dispute about what happened.

• **Ask bystanders:**
• Did they see what happened?
• Would they be willing to provide a statement?
• Can you have their name and contact number?

Be polite but quick — people often don't want to get involved and may leave.

Step 8: Don't Admit Fault

Very important: Don't say sorry. Don't admit fault. Don't discuss who caused the accident.

Just exchange details, be polite, and let insurance companies determine fault later.

Anything you say could be used against you in insurance or legal proceedings.

Step 9: Contact Your Insurance Company

Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, regardless of who was at fault.

• **Have ready:**
• Your policy number
• Details you collected (photos, other driver's info)
• Description of what happened

Failure to report can invalidate your claim or coverage.

Step 10: Get A Medical Check

Even if you feel fine, get checked.

Whiplash and soft tissue injuries often don't appear until days later. Having a medical record from shortly after the accident helps if you need to claim.

See your GP or visit A&E if symptoms develop.

What If The Other Driver Doesn't Stop?

This is a criminal offence (hit and run), but it happens.

• **What to do:**
• Note as much detail as you can (registration, make, model, colour, direction)
• Look for witnesses or CCTV cameras nearby
• Report to police (101 or online) within 24 hours
• Contact your insurer
• You may still claim via the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB)

What If It's A Minor Bump (No Damage)?

• You must still stop and exchange details. Even if there's no visible damage:
• Damage can be hidden
• The other person might claim later
• Protect yourself by getting details

Should You Call Your Insurance If It Was Minor?

• **Pros of reporting:**
• You're covered if they claim later
• Fulfills policy requirements
• Creates a record

• **Cons:**
• May affect no-claims bonus (even if not your fault)
• Premium might increase

Generally: Report it. Unreported accidents can cause bigger problems later.

Common Mistakes After An Accident

Leaving the scene: Even if you're stressed or the other person tells you it's okay.

Not getting other driver's details: They might seem friendly but ghost you later.

Admitting fault: Let insurers decide. Even "sorry" can be used against you.

Not taking photos: Your phone is right there. Use it.

Posting on social media: Don't discuss the accident online. It can be used against you.

Accepting a quick cash settlement: The other driver offers cash to avoid insurance. This leaves you with no protection if issues emerge later.

When Is A Car Written Off?

If damage repair costs more than the car's value, it's written off (total loss).

• **Categories:**
• **A:** Scrap only (destroyed)
• **B:** Body shell crushed but parts salvaged
• **S:** Structurally damaged, can be repaired
• **N:** Non-structural damage, can be repaired

Your insurer pays out the car's market value minus excess.

Getting Your Car Recovered

If your car can't be driven:

Your insurer may arrange recovery as part of your policy.

Breakdown cover (AA, RAC) often includes accident recovery.

Police will arrange recovery if the car is a hazard (you'll pay).

The Hault app connects you with services that can transport your car home or to a garage.

Need Help After An Accident?

Car damaged and can't be driven? Need recovery or assessment?

Download Hault. Get connected with recovery services and mechanics who can assess the damage, arrange repairs, or help with write-off procedures.