What To Do In The Event Of An Accident

Although one of the main points of modern motoring is the task of maintaining safe driving, this is the real world, and so we much accept that accidents can and do happen often. In a lifelong career of driving, you are likely to experience at least one accident whilst in the car, and so it is good to ensure that you are fully prepared for what to do in this incident.

– Stop the car. Regardless of how small you think the collision was, or if you think no-one is watching, you are morally and legally obliged to stop your car immediately in the first safe location after the site of the accident. Failure to stop is an offence. Also remember to turn on your Hazard lights as soon as you are stopped.

– Call any emergency services necessary. If you or your passengers are injured, or any other road user or pedestrian, then you must call an ambulance immediately. Likewise, if the accident requires Police attention (such as if the road has become blocked) then Police must be called immediately.

– Your are legally obliged to provide any party involved in the accident your name and address, and they are obliged to provide theirs to you. But remember not to accept responsibility for the accident at this time – this could hinder any claim you may need to make at a later date. If the other party is not present (such as hitting a parked car) then you must leave your details on the windscreen.

– Report the accident to the Police. This must be done within 24 hours of the accident, or as soon as possible if you need to make a claim against the other party involved.

– Collect any information you can. Giving your name and contact details to the other parties involved is a must, but it is also recommended to acquire as much evidence from the site of the incident as possible – make notes of the details of the accident, such as how and when the accident happened, which cars were involved, the weather and road conditions, and also try to get some photographic evidence of the accident to back up your claims. If you can also get the contact details of a witness to support you, that would be a great help.

With the right amount of safe driving when behind the wheel, you can minimise the chance of an accident occurring when driving. However in the unfortunate event that you are involved in an incident, at least now you will be well prepared with how to handle the situation.

Safe driving from Britannia!

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