What is the correct protocol when reporting a car accident? Do you tell the police, or do you only have to tell your insurer?
If you don’t know, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out how to report a road traffic accident, the law surrounding car accidents, who to tell and the steps to take.
Steps to Take After a Car Accident
Road traffic accidents can be overwhelming, but make sure you follow these steps to protect your safety and comply with the law:
1. Stop the Car
You must stop after an accident by law, even if it’s a minor bump. Failing to stop after an accident is an offence under the Road Traffic Act 1988. So, after a crash, turn off your engine, switch on your hazard lights, and keep calm.
2. Check for Injuries
Check yourself – and anyone else in the vehicle – for injuries. If anyone is injured, seek medical attention immediately. This may involve calling the emergency services on 999.
If you are trained, provide first aid – but don’t move anyone who is seriously injured (unless, of course, they are in immediate danger). Learn the common injuries from road traffic accidents here.
3. Move Your Car
If your vehicle is blocking traffic or is in a dangerous location, move it if you can. If not, stay in a safe place nearby and make sure the hazards are on to alert oncoming traffic.
4. Pause
If you are able to, take a minute to pause and take a breath. After a collision, your adrenaline is likely racing, so pause to breathe and stay composed. This can help you avoid impulsive decisions and saying the wrong thing.
5. Exchange Details
Make sure you get information from the other driver. Get their full name, contact number, vehicle registration, address, and insurance details. We also recommend getting details from witnesses – this can support your compensation claim further down the line.
6. Gather Evidence
Evidence is a must if you want to make a claim. Evidence for a road traffic accident claim might include:
- Photos of vehicle damage, road layout, and weather conditions
- Dashcam footage (if available)
- Names and contact details of any witnesses
- The time and location of the accident
- A brief written account of what happened (while it’s still fresh)
7. Avoid Admitting Fault
Never admit fault at the scene, even if you think the accident was your fault. This includes avoiding apologising, as this can be seen as an admission of guilt. Liability isn’t always clear until the facts have been reviewed, so make sure you stick to the facts when speaking to your insurer, the police, and the others involved.
8. Report the Accident
Report the accident to the police within 24 hours if someone is injured, you didn’t exchange details at the scene, or if the driver failed to stop. Check your insurance policy to find out how long you have to report a car accident to your insurer. Most require you to report a road traffic accident within 24 to 48 hours, whether you plan to make a claim or not.
The Law Regarding Road Traffic Accidents
If you are involved in a road traffic accident, you are legally required to stop at the scene (when it is safe to do so). If anyone with reasonable grounds requests your name, address or vehicle registration, you must provide it. This includes police and other parties involved in the accident.
This applies if the accident injures somebody, damages another vehicle, damages property (on or next to the road), or harms certain animals (horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat, or dog). (see Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988)
So is it a crime to drive away from a road traffic accident? Yes, it is, and this crime carries between 5 and 10 penalty points. Always stop at the scene and exchange details if damage has been caused.
Failing to stop, provide details and/ or report the accident is a criminal offence.
Who Should I Tell After a Car Accident?
- The Other Driver(s) – You need to tell the other parties involved after an accident. Exchange your details, and if you do not own the vehicle, make sure you provide the owner’s details too.
- The Police – Report the accident to the police within 24 hours (if someone was injured, if you believe someone committed a criminal offence or if you weren’t able to exchange details at the scene).
- Your Insurance Company – Notify your insurer as soon as possible. You need to report the accident even if you don’t want to make a claim.
Am I Eligible For Compensation?
It depends on when the accident happened, whether it was your fault, or whether you suffered an injury or financial loss as a result of the accident. So, yes – you may be eligible for compensation after a road traffic accident if:
- The accident occurred within the last three years
- You were injured and/or suffered a financial loss due to the accident
- The accident was caused by somebody else/ you were only partially responsible
You can claim whether you were the driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian. You can also claim if the accident was partly your fault.
The road traffic accident solicitors team at CEL Solicitors can guide you through your claim and help you maximise compensation. Contact us to start your no-win, no-fee claim, or call us for free on 0333 305 4982.
FAQs
Do I have to report every car accident to the police?
No, you don’t need to report every accident to the police. However, if anyone is injured or you didn’t exchange information at the scene, you must report it within 24 hours.
Can I claim if the other driver didn’t stop?
Yes, you can claim if the other driver didn’t stop. You can claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) if the driver is uninsured or can’t be traced. Speak with our team for more details.
When should I report a road traffic accident?
Report a car accident to your insurance company within 24 hours, even if you don’t plan on making a claim. You have three years from the date of the accident to make a personal injury claim or a claim for vehicle damage in the UK.
Do I have to report a minor road traffic accident?
If nobody is injured, you exchanged details with the other parties involved, and there are no allegations of driving offences, then no, you do not need to report a minor car accident to the police. Failing to report a road traffic accident can result in penalty points, a fine, and up to six months in prison.
What evidence do I need to support my claim?
Gather whatever evidence you can to support your claim, including photos, dashcam footage, witness details, and a copy of the police report. This can all help to strengthen your case.
How much compensation can I get after a road traffic accident?
It depends on the extent of your injuries and the financial losses you have suffered. For whiplash, you may get anything from £2,990 to over £180,000. For a broken arm, you may get £8000 to over £159,000.
Should I report a hit-and-run?
Yes, always report a hit-and-run. You are legally required to report a hit-and-run accident to the police within 24 hours if you were unable to exchange details at the scene. Failing to do so can be a criminal offence.
