Being involved in a car accident can be frightening and disorienting, but knowing what to do in the aftermath can make all the difference – both for your safety and for any future legal or insurance matters. Here are the essential steps to take at the scene of a road traffic accident, as well as guidance on when to seek legal advice. Stop immediately It is a legal requirement under the Road Traffic Act 1988 to stop after any accident involving injury, damage to property, or certain animals. Driving away is a criminal offence and may result in prosecution. Switch off engine and turn on hazard lights Switch off your engine and turn on your hazard warning lights to alert other drivers. Apply the handbrake to prevent the vehicle from moving. If it’s safe to do so, move yourself and any passengers out of the flow of traffic. On motorways, exit via the passenger side and stand behind safety barriers. Check for injuries Assess yourself, passengers and anyone else involved. If anyone is hurt or in danger, call 999 immediately for police and ambulance. Even minor injuries should be noted – symptoms such as whiplash or concussion can appear hours later. Move to safety (if possible) If vehicles are still drivable and there is no risk, move them to the roadside or a lay-by to prevent further collisions. On motorways, exit via the passenger side and stand behind the safety barriers. If the vehicles cannot be moved, switch on hazard lights and wait in a safe location. Call the police when required Dial 999 if: Someone is injured The road is blocked You suspect drink/drug driving or uninsured drivers The other party leaves without giving details For non-emergencies, call 101 Exchange details Exchange your name, address, vehicle registration and insurance details with other driver(s). Collect details of passengers and witnesses too. You should also collect: The make, model and colour of all vehicles involved Contact details for passengers and witnesses The other driver’s insurer (if known) Document the scene If it is safe to do so, take photographs of positions of the vehicle before they are moved, any damage, the road conditions, any traffic signs and any visible injuries. Also note the time, date and exact location. These details can be invaluable for your insurance claim or any future legal proceedings. Gather witness information Obtain the contact details and a brief account from anyone who saw the accident. Independent statements often provide vital evidence if liability is disputed later. Report to your insurer promptly Inform your insurance company as soon as possible – even if you don’t plan to claim. Failure to do so can invalidate your policy. Seek legal advice If you’ve sustained an injury in a road traffic collision, it’s important to seek legal advice early. This will help you to understand your legal position and whether you can pursue compensation for injuries and losses. How can Morr & Co help? Our experienced Personal Injury lawyers have extensive expertise in handling road traffic collision claims and personal injury cases. We offer clear, compassionate advice and will guide you through every stage of the process, ensuring your case is handled efficiently and with care. If you or a loved one needs assistance or would like to learn more about our services, please contact the Personal Injury team on 0333 038 9100 or by emailing info@morrlaw.com. Disclaimer Although correct at the time of publication, the contents of this newsletter/blog are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute, legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article. Please contact us for the latest legal position. Authored by Charlotte Rees-Knowlden Partner, Head of Department Message Tags Insights On this page Contact our team today Contact Us
