No one expects to be involved in an accident but it can happen in the blink of an eye. Whether it’s your fault or someone else’s a crash of any size gets adrenaline pumping and shock can set in, so things can become a bit of a blur. Most people say they know what to do next, until it happens to them.
Immediately after the accident
- Stop the car as soon as possible – it’s an offence not to do so.
- Turn off the engine.
- Switch the hazard lights on.
- Check for any injuries to yourself or your passengers.
- If it’s a minor collision and there are no injuries, make a note of it just in case the other people later try to claim for an injury.
- Call the police and an ambulance immediately if anyone is hurt or if the road is blocked.
- Remain as calm as possible – its normal to be shaken after a crash, take a few deep breaths and try to take stock of the situation the best you can. And don’t lose your temper.
- Don’t apologise or admit responsibility for the accident until you’re completely aware of what has indeed happened – this can protect you from liability if it wasn’t your fault.
REMEMBER – If you have an accident damaged vehicle? Call Premier Group on Cannock (01543) 426378 during working hours or Beeches Recovery 24/7 on 0121 344 4644.
When should I call the police?
- If the other driver or drivers leave the scene without giving details.
- If you think the other driver has no insurance or is under the influence of drink or drugs. If you suspect that the other driver caused the collision deliberately.
- Tell the police about the accident within 24 hours – if you don’t you may be given a fi ne, points on your licence, or a disqualification from driving.
Exchange motoring details
- Share your name and address with everyone involved if the accident caused damage or injury – this is a legal requirement.
- Swap insurance information and details with the other driver(s).
- Take down details of any other passengers and witnesses to the accident.
- If a foreign lorry is involved, get the numbers on both the lorry and its trailer, sometimes they are different. It’s also a good idea to get the name of the company if it’s painted on the lorry.
What should I record at the accident scene?
- The make, model, colour, and number plate of the vehicles involved in the accident or take pictures of them.
- The time and date of the crash (may be recorded on phone pictures)
- Note driving conditions, including the weather, lighting, and road quality (such as road markings, whether it’s wet or muddy, repair of the road surface).
- What sort of damage was caused to the vehicles and where – nearside front wing and door (nearside is the left side of your car, offside is the driver’s side).
- Any injuries to drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.
- The names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Use your phone to take pictures of the scene, the positions of the cars involved, and damage to the cars.
- If no one else is involved in the accident, for example you caused damage to private property or a parked car; you should leave your details – for instance a note where the owner can see it
What should I do about my car?
If your car is not road worthy then call Premier Group during working hours on Cannock (01543) 426378 or out of hours call Premier Group recover partners Beeches Recovery and request recovery as a Premier Group VIP. Hassle free 24/7 service, 0121 344 4644.
If your vehicle has suffered cosmetic damage only then please bring the car to Premier Group during opening hours. At Premier Group we understand the stress and anxiety that can be caused by being involved in a crash and so make the recovery and repair of vehicles a simple and streamlined service. The Premier Team is able to handle the whole process, getting you to a safe destination, recovering your car, liaising with insurance companies, courtesy cars and more.