According to data from 2022, there are an average of over 900 road traffic accidents each day. This is an increase of nearly 4% from the previous year, meaning that more people are involved in collisions or incidents on UK roads.
One aspect to consider is the rise could be directly related to the fact that over 41 million registered cars were on the roads as of the end of 2023, a 1% increase from 2022, it doesn’t necessarily mean drivers are becoming more careless. Every driver needs to be aware of the increased risk of an incident on the road.
But what should you be doing if you find yourself in any type of crash or accident when driving?
Stop The Car
If you are able to, pull the car over to a safe place and turn the engine off. Not everyone is able to do this or has the capacity post-accident, depending on the severity, but if you can, you need to make sure you and any other occupants and the vehicle are in a safe place and the engine isn’t running.
Once you have done this, turn your hazard lights on to indicate to other road users there is an issue so they are aware and can heed your warning. Regardless of what happened, other road users need to be warned so they can adapt their driving to accommodate the situation.
Check for Injuries
Next, you need to check everyone involved for injuries to ascertain if or what type of emergency services you need. If there are severe injuries or complex circumstances following the collision, you need to call 999 and get the appropriate emergency services to the location. Ask the police, and then the fire and ambulance services will be automatically dispatched if applicable. The operator can help you get the appropriate help.
If there are serious injuries, always follow the instructions given to you by the 999 call handler. The call handler will guide you on how to provide immediate assistance in a safe way until professional help arrives, which can be crucial in such situations.
Collect Evidence
Again, if it is safe to do and you are not putting yourself and others at risk, collect as much evidence as you can. Video footage, photographs, witness details, car registration plates, people’s names and contact details, insurance company details, etc., are vital pieces of information that will help you resolve the issue once you are in a position to do so. If the police are in attendance or other emergency services, you will have a record of any injuries and investigations that will resume in relation to the accident. But even if you don’t need to call anyone, you will need to gather as much evidence as you can to help you move forward.
Stay Calm
Amidst the chaos, it’s crucial to keep a level head. Road rage, a very real and dangerous thing, can only make the situation worse. Take a deep breath, stay calm, and remember, you’re in control.
Don’t Admit Liability
It’s important to refrain from admitting liability or apologising at the scene. While it’s a natural reaction, especially in a stressful situation like a traffic incident, it’s best to avoid apologising until your insurance company or the police can determine fault. This caution can protect your legal standing in the event of a dispute.
Call Your Insurance Company
As soon as you’re able to do so, you need to report the incident to your insurance company. They will need as many details as you can give them and any proof or footage documentation you have gathered to assist your claim. When you call, be prepared to provide your policy number, the date, time, and location of the accident, a description of what happened, and any other relevant information. They will help you to get a resolution, whether it’s a repair for your car or a new car. If it’s an insurance write-off, you need to discuss what happened with them at your earliest convenience. At this point, both you and any passengers can make car crash claims to assist you in getting any compensation you might be entitled to.
In the event of a road traffic collision, you need to remain calm, make your vehicle safe, and check all involved parties for injuries. From here, collecting evidence, contacting emergency services, and your insurance company should be on your to-do list so you can resolve the situation for the best possible outcomes for all parties.
