04-05-2025
What to do after a car accident
No one gets into a car planning to have a crash. But if the worst does happen, millions of us apparently don't know what we should do and who to call.
Research by insurer Aviva found that a fifth of drivers (20 per cent) don't know the steps to take following a collision. And more than a third of drivers admitted to not knowing that The Highway Code stipulates you must stop at the scene of a crash.
Here's what you should do in the aftermath of a collision, according to road safety experts, along with a quiz to test your possibly newfound knowledge.
First steps
Pull over to somewhere as safe as possible, switch off the engine and activate the hazard warning lights. RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: 'Although there's no legal requirement to carry high-vis jackets, unlike in many other countries, we strongly advise that drivers keep some in the boot in case of a breakdown or collision. While you're waiting for help, you need to be as visible as possible to oncoming traffic. Wearing a high-vis ensures this.'
Head of telematics at insurer Aviva, Matthew Washer, added: 'If you're involved in a crash – whether that's a bump or a more serious collision – the most important thing is to check whether anyone is hurt. If so, contact the emergency services straight away.
'From an insurance point of view – and only once everyone is safe – make sure you exchange details with the other party involved. Remember, all events, regardless of their severity, must be reported to your insurer.'
When you're checking for injuries, ask other parties involved in the crash if they have been hurt. But this can be tricky because sadly it's not unusual for people who are unhurt to later claim for hard-to-prove injuries such as whiplash. But also bear in mind that the adrenaline from a crash can mask pain in the immediate aftermath.
If the road is blocked, you should call the police.
Keep calm – and don't admit anything
That adrenaline rush immediately after the crash results in an elevated heart rate, hot or cold flushes and sometimes confusion as your body and brain process what has just happened.
Before you engage with other drivers, take a deep breath, attempt to rationalise what has occurred and focus on what details you need to gather.
It's important to stay calm and not to start shouting and finger-pointing at other drivers. Equally, don't say sorry. Technically that isn't accepting liability – although it might be used against you at a later date. Never admit liability either, even if someone is trying to pressure you to.
Which details do you need to swap?
The law says you must swap names, addresses and your car registration number with everyone involved if damage to property or injury has resulted from a crash.
Also swap insurance details with other drivers. To make this easier, we suggest you carry a sheet of paper in your glovebox detailing your insurance company and policy number, as well as a phone number for your breakdown company, just in case. While you might know all these details, or have them stored on your phone, other drivers of the car might not.
Can you get a witness?
It can be helpful to find any witnesses to the accident and get their contact details. Also find out if the other driver is the car's owner; it might be a company car. And should a foreign truck be involved, be aware that tractor and trailer might have different registration numbers so make a note of both, as well as the haulage company's name.
Now that most of us have a phone with a decent camera, it can be a wise move to take photographs of people's details, damage to their cars, those involved and any damage to property at the scene. An image is more reliable than post-incident recollections.
You should pass all these to your insurer, including any relevant CCTV or dashcam footage. And make sure you have back-ups in case your insurer loses any of your evidence.
Who do you call?
If the other driver(s) leaves the scene without giving details, or you think they might be under the influence of drink or drugs, uninsured or have caused the accident intentionally, call the police.
You must also call the police from the scene if someone has been injured. If any of the above does happen and you don't inform the police within 24 hours, you could be liable for a fine. The force that oversees the area in which the collision took place is the one to be notified, not your local force.
The police add: 'You don't need to report a collision to the police if you've exchanged details, nobody was injured and there are no allegations of driving offences.'
If your car can't be driven, your first port of call should be your insurer. 'It will arrange for collection, storage, repair and return of your car,' Aviva told us.
Should you not have your insurer's number, be careful. Aviva's Washer explained: 'Some claims companies use misleading search engine adverts, or 'spoof ads', to make customers think they are contacting their motor insurer.
'But claiming via these companies could put customers at risk of being responsible for the cost of the claim, which can run well into the thousands of pounds.'
Assuming your car can be driven away, you should still call your insurer. Most stipulate that you must inform them within 48 hours of any accident. But the sooner they're informed, the sooner you'll get any payout, or get your car fixed.
