Would you know what to do, if you have the misfortune to be involved in a road traffic accident?
If you are a driver, then sooner or later, you will be involved in a road traffic accident. Hopefully, not as the main participant.
Here's a quick outline of the actions required at the scene of a road traffic accident:
Stop your vehicle, and turn off the engine.
Stay calm and do Not Panic. If other people see you panic, then they may start to panic as well, which will only make the situation worse.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Then check the other drivers/passengers involved. Do Not move anyone who may be injured.
Where possible move your passengers away from the roadway, out of harms way. But they should remain at the scene of the accident.
You should warn oncoming traffic (all directions) by activating your hazard warning lights, or setting flares or warning signs.
If it is warranted, call the emergency services and report the accident.
Do Not admit fault or liability for the accident to anyone. Do Not discuss the accident with anyone other than the investigation police officer or your insurance/claim representative.
Where it is necessary, you will need to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved. Gather as much of the following information as possible. This information will be useful in any accident litigation claims, insurance claims and medical evaluations.
You should obtain the following information: All involved vehicles - name and address of driver/owner, telephone number (or other contact details) insurance company details (policy number). All involved vehicles - registration number, make, model and colour. All involved vehicles - any passengers names and contact details. Remember that the driver of a vehicle may not always be the owner - try to find out.
Witnesses - Very Important, names, address, telephone numbers, and where they were. If they are other drivers, also obtain their vehicle details.
Basic Details of Accident - Day/date/time, road name/junction, town/county, and brief details of what happened.
Investigation police officer - name, number, division and station address. Also the Incident number (if known).
Damage details - any damage to your own vehicle, and damage to other vehicles, property or persons.
Accident Details - type and width of road, weather conditions, visibility, density of traffic, road surface condition (wet, dry, potholes etc), any comments made by other drivers or witnesses.
If possible, you should draw a sketch of the accident showing such items as:
Road layout
Direction of travel for each vehicle involved
Road signs
Road dimensions
Puddles and mud, glass and debris.
Witness positions
Include anything else you may think is relevant
There is a lot of information required, but if there has been any damage or injury caused then it may be well worth your effort to obtain as much information as possible, at the time of the accident. If you leave it until later, then details may be forgotten. All of this information will be of use, if the other people involved should decide to take legal action.
Make a note of the information that may be required and keep it handy, in your vehicle. It may save you an awful lot of trouble.
