In the event of a road traffic accident …

If you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in a road traffic accident, the most important thing to do is to record as much information about the incident as possible – regardless of blame. The sooner this is done the better, as the details will remain fresher in your mind for a potential report to the relevant authorities should they become involved. Try to remember to record all affected vehicles and/or property; if you have a camera phone then take photographs.

Returning to the scene of the accident, as potentially trying as that might be, is probably the best way to remember details that you might have forgotten at the time. If you had suffered shock then there are bound to be details that you had forgotten. Write down things like the date and time of the incident – along with any other necessary details. Next up, try to get in touch with other involved parties and get their contact details. It’s especially important to trade insurance information for future reference. Also try to get the details of anyone who might have witnessed the accident – their input could be very useful.

Once all this intelligence has been gathered, get in touch with your insurance company, and notify them of the accident as quickly as possible – some policies are time-sensitive; if you don’t act soon enough then you may not be covered. It’s vital that you inform your insurance provider if there is any property damage or, more importantly, injury sustained by the accident. You are also legally bound to swap details of insurance with any other drivers involved in the event of any road accident claims.