Auto Trader

What to do at the scene of an accident

If you’re involved in an accident, it’s important to get as much information as possible. If you’re injured or in a state of shock you may not be able to get all the information you need at the time. However, there’s still information you can provide by returning to the scene of the accident at a later date – as soon as you can – and taking some notes.

This will assist your claim and help your insurance company obtain the best possible outcome at a later date. It’s recommended you carry a pen, paper and disposable camera in your car to help you accurately record the accident details.

Information to collect at the time of accident (if possible)

• Time and date
• Contact details including names, addresses and telephone numbers of drivers, passengers and pedestrians involved. If a party is driving within the course of his employment, take both the driver and the employer's details. It may be worth noting a description of the driver, location and any distinguishing features.
• Vehicle details including make, model, registration number, colour, any modifications and the number of passengers in each vehicle
• Insurance details for the driver of the other vehicle
• Whether the parties were using headlights and/or indicator lights
• The weather, visibility and lighting conditions, including street lighting
• Name, "collar number" and force details of any police officer attending and other emergency services details if appropriate
• Identify the damage to each vehicle involved
• Identify any injuries to persons involved
• If you have a camera, take some photographs of the accident scene

Useful information to jot down at the time or after the accident

• A full description of what happened including sketches of the vehicles’ positioning
• Estimated speed of the vehicles involved
• The type of road
• A description of the scene of the accident, including any relevant road markings, signals and obstructions. For example, “skip outside property at road junction.”

Reporting

• It’s an offence to refuse to give details to the other driver following an accident, if there has been injury or property damage
• Inform your insurance company of the accident as quickly as possible. The company may refuse to insure you if you have not notified them of the accident within the time period set out in the policy.

If you’ve had an accident which wasn’t your fault, please visit accidentsmanaged.co.uk