It’s a visceral shock to the system – the feeling that follows that sudden, yet slow-motion jolt of panic that strikes when you’re involved in a car accident. It can be caused by a hundred different things: poor driving, tiredness, or apocalyptic weather, but in the moment, you’ll be forgiven if a detailed step-by-step plan of what to do next doesn’t immediately spring to mind.
Besides, it’s a complicated process. You’ll need to untangle the impact on your physical and mental health, deal with insurance brokers, and, if necessary, follow legal protocol and contact the police or a lawyer – not exactly what you want to be thinking while you’re still in the driver’s seat.
But it isn’t as complicated as it appears to be at first glance. In this article, we’ll take you through all the details you’ll need if you’ve just been involved in a car accident. It’ll simplify the process and give you the answers you need to move on.
Gather Evidence
In the aftermath of a car accident, emotions can run high and personal injuries must take priority above all else. But if you’re able-bodied, here is all the information you’ll need from the scene of the accident:
- Note the date and time that the accident took place.
- Gather your thoughts and note down a description of the accident that just occurred, detailing the weather and conditions, as well as your actions and those of the other drivers involved.
- Take photos and videos of your vehicle, and of any other cars involved. Capture all of the damage that’s been done to your vehicle and to others.
- If you have a dashcam, ensure that it is definitely switched on and has saved the footage of the accident.
- If applicable, exchange information with other drivers who were involved. Ensure that you have their insurance details, as well as all information pertaining to the vehicle (specifically, the manufacturer, model, colour and license plate number).
- Gather witness accounts from anyone else who saw the accident and take their contact details.
Remember: fleeing the scene of a car accident is a crime.
Contact Your Insurance Provider
After the accident, it’s absolutely paramount that you report the accident to your insurance provider, as most policies demand that an accident must be reported within 24 hours – regardless of your intent to claim or if you were the one at fault.
If you are claiming, pass on all the evidence you’ve gathered from the scene of the accident to your insurer, and they’ll take care of the rest. In the circumstance that you are contacted directly by either someone else who was involved in the accident or their insurance provider, do not engage – instead, advise that they contact your insurer.
Seek Medical Attention
Injuries are a common outcome following a car accident, but many of them aren’t immediately apparent. Depending on the seriousness of your injuries, you must either go to the hospital or visit your GP – yes, even if you feel healthy; it’s best to make sure you don’t have any internal bleeding or other invisible injuries that can only be identified by a medical professional. On top of that, if you’re making an injury claim, medical evidence is an absolute necessity.
Here are some of the most common injuries to look out for:
- Whiplash is easily the most prevalent injury caused by car accidents. The abrupt halt of the vehicle forcefully throws the head forward, then backwards, leading to tightness and rigidity in the back of the neck.
- Fractures – most commonly in the arms, collarbone, and ribs. They occur after sudden, high forces cause them to impact with parts of the car’s interior, like the dashboard or steering wheel.
- Back injuries occur when the spine and its surrounding tissues are thrust beyond their typical range of motion.
- Bruising can often be just that – a simple, tender bruise after impacting with parts of the interior during the accident. But it’s vital that you investigate each bruise after the dust has settled, because they can also be an indicator of serious underlying health issues.
- Brain injuries happen when the accident propels your brain forward, then backwards, causing it to hit the bony structure of your skull. Look out for common indicators, like seizures, headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea and vomiting, as well as amnesia and confusion.
Find Out Who’s At Fault
In the aftermath of the accident, insurance companies will use all the evidence gathered to decide which party is at fault and caused the accident, dictating who will pay for repair costs.
If another party was found to be at fault, for instance, because they were distracted by their phone, your insurer will help you make a non-fault claim to recover costs, or you can handle the claim through the at-fault driver’s insurance company. If you were found to be at fault, your insurance provider will pay for the other driver’s repair costs and, if necessary, injury compensation. Don’t worry – you won’t be expected to fork any money out yourself, that’s what insurance is for. You should, however, expect your insurance quote to increase in the future.
If the insurer is unable to arrive at a decision, or no at-fault party can be identified, they can consider you liable.
Report to the Police
Contacting the police might not be mandatory unless a driving offence was committed, someone was harmed, or you were unable to exchange insurance information with another party. If any of these apply to you, you must contact the authorities immediately by contacting 101.
The police will then evaluate your case and only contact you if they need more information – you can likely expect to never hear from them again about the matter.
Get Legal Support
Much like contacting the authorities, legal support might not be essential to your case – especially for milder accidents without injuries. But for many, finding a safe pair of hands to support you with any ongoing legal processes can offer peace of mind and reassurance. If you’ve been injured and are looking for support, you can find representation up and down the country; whether they’re claims lawyers in Brighton or personal injury solicitors in Liverpool, they can help take the weight off your shoulders.
Closing Thoughts
A car accident is a disruptive, shell-shocking event that can leave anyone feeling uncertain about where the road will lead them next. An arduous to-do list isn’t exactly what most people want – especially with mental and physical scars still present. But it doesn’t have to be a slog; hopefully, this article makes that clear. Your insurer, the police, and legal representation can help you bear the weight of each complex step. You’re not alone, and soon this ordeal will be in your rear-view mirror.