Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and frightening experience. Whether it’s a minor bump or a more serious collision, knowing what to do next can help keep everyone safe and make dealing with insurance claims much easier.
If you’ve recently been involved in an accident, here’s a simple checklist to help you stay calm and handle the situation correctly.
For more advice on dealing with damaged vehicles, and accident-related guidance, visit our maintenance guidance hub.
1. Stop Safely and Switch Off Your Engine
The first thing you should do after an accident is stop your vehicle as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Switch off the engine, apply the handbrake, and turn on your hazard warning lights.
If your vehicle can be moved safely and is causing an obstruction or danger to other road users, move it to a safe location if possible.
If another driver leaves the scene without stopping, this may be considered a hit-and-run incident and should be reported to the police.
2. Check for Injuries
Take a moment to check yourself and any passengers for injuries.
Even if you feel fine immediately after the collision, some injuries may not become apparent until later. If anyone appears injured or complains of pain, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Your health should always be the priority.
3. Contact Emergency Services if Necessary
Call 999 if:
- Anyone is injured
- The road is blocked or unsafe
- The accident involves dangerous driving
- You suspect a criminal offence has occurred
- The other driver has left the scene
Emergency services can provide assistance and ensure the situation is handled safely.
4. Exchange Details with the Other Driver
You’ll need to exchange important information with everyone involved in the accident.
Make sure you collect:
- Full name
- Address
- Contact details
- Vehicle registration number
- Make and model of vehicle
- Insurance information (if available)
It’s important to remain polite and cooperative.
However, avoid admitting fault or apologising for the accident, as the cause of the collision may not be fully understood at the scene.
5. Look for Witnesses
Independent witnesses can be extremely valuable if there is any dispute about what happened.
If anyone saw the accident, politely ask for their:
- Name
- Contact details
- Brief account of what they witnessed
Their evidence could help support insurance claims later on.
6. Take Photos of the Scene
Your smartphone can become one of the most useful tools after an accident.
Take photographs of:
- Vehicle damage
- The position of vehicles
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- Traffic signs
- Number plates
- Any visible injuries (if appropriate)
The more evidence you have, the easier it may be to support your version of events.
7. Contact Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, even if you don’t intend to make a claim.
Provide them with:
- Details of the incident
- Photographs
- Witness information
- Third-party details
Prompt reporting can help avoid complications later.
For more information on what the stats show about road traffic accidents, we’ve got the latest for you here.
What If Your Car Is Beyond Repair?
Unfortunately, some accidents leave vehicles with severe damage that makes repairs uneconomical.
If your insurer declares the vehicle a write-off, or if the repair costs simply aren’t worth it, selling the vehicle may be the best option.
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Need to Sell an Accident-Damaged Car?
If your vehicle has been damaged in an accident and you’re ready to move on, Jamjar can help you compare offers from trusted UK buyers.
Whether your car is lightly damaged, a non-runner, or approaching the end of its life, you can receive a free valuation and compare offers from buyers across the UK—all in one place.