Should you ever encounter the unfortunate circumstance of a car accident, it's common for adrenaline to kick in and leave you uncertain about how to manage the situation. That's why Regit has compiled a comprehensive guide outlining the necessary steps. This guide will help you prioritise safety for yourself and others, as well as navigate through insurance and legal matters.
What to do immediately after the accident:
- Stop the Car: After the accident, pull over (if safe to do so) and turn off the engine. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
- Check for Injuries: First, make sure you and your passengers are okay. If it's a minor collision with no injuries, still take note of this to prevent false injury claims later. Call the police and ambulance if there are injuries or road blockages.
- Stay Calm: Try to remain calm, even though accidents can be unsettling. Take deep breaths to compose yourself and assess the situation.
- Exchange Details: Swap contact and vehicle information with all involved parties, including witnesses. Collect names, addresses, phone numbers, and vehicle registration numbers. Refrain from admitting fault until you understand the situation fully.
When to Involve the Police
While many accidents can be resolved without police involvement, you should call the police if:
- The other driver leaves without sharing details.
- The other driver is uninsured or seems intoxicated.
- You suspect the accident was deliberate. Remember, report the accident to the police within 24 hours to avoid penalties.
Exchanging Information
Properly exchanging details is crucial for insurance and legal purposes. Make sure to:
- Share your name and address if there's damage or injury.
- Exchange insurance information with other drivers.
- Record details of passengers and witnesses.
- Determine if the driver is the registered owner, and if not, obtain the owner's information.
Gathering Information
Despite feeling shaken, try to gather essential details at the scene. You can:
- Take photos of the accident scene, vehicle positions, and damage.
- If you have a dashcam, preserve incident details and footage.
- Record vehicle details: make, model, color, number plate.
- Note circumstances like time, date, driving conditions, lighting, and weather.
- Document damage to vehicles and injuries to individuals.
- Collect contact information for witnesses.
Making a Claim
If you've been in an accident, you have the right to choose your repairer and decide whether to claim through your insurer or independently. To claim through your insurer:
- Contact your insurer and provide accident details.
- Offer your policy number, registration numbers, drivers' names, and insurance details.
- You may choose not to claim to protect your no claims discount or if you plan to pay for repairs yourself.
Assistance from Us
Regit offers free Accident Assist for those with a Regit account. If you've been involved in an accident that wasn't your fault, you will receive free vehicle recovery, a like-for-like replacement car, manufacturer approved repair and the accident will be fully handled and managed by experts.
This is all via a 24/7 helpline, this will not impact your no claims, and there is no insurance excess payment.
Make a Regit account now to access your Regit Accident Assist number.
Beware of Scams
Crash-for-cash scams involve staged accidents to make fraudulent insurance claims. To avoid falling victim:
- Stay cautious in traffic, junctions, and roundabouts.
- Maintain ample space from the vehicle ahead.
- Watch for erratic behavior and malfunctioning brake lights.
- Consider installing dashcams for evidence against scams.
You can read in-depth about how to spot crash-for-cash scammers here.
Getting into a car accident is stressful, but following these steps can help you navigate the aftermath smoothly and protect your interests.
