Nobody wants to think about it, but accidents happen and it’s important to know what to do if you are in one.
At DMA Law we deal with countless cases involving people and families who have had their lives disrupted by RTAs. At best, it can be a huge inconvenience, involving the loss of a vehicle that people depend on or leaving people out of pocket.
At worst, when injuries occur, it can take time to recover physically – sometimes months or longer. The injured party might lose money because of work or, in the most serious cases, never be able to work again.
Because we are all aware of how disruptive a car accident can be to our lives, they are usually tense, anxious situations – and it’s all-too-easy to forget to do something crucial in the heat of the moment.
So, if the worst happens, stay calm, don’t get angry, even if it wasn’t your fault, and follow these steps:
Contact DMA Accident Angels
Many people’s main concern after an accident, particularly when nobody has been gravely injured, is making sure they have a replacement vehicle that will enable them to continue with every day life.
People still need a car for work, or to transport their family and here at DMA we understand how important that is.
In many cases, calling your insurer immediately isn’t the best move especially when you have been in a crash that wasn’t your fault.
Instead call DMA Accident Angels and the DMA team will be able to offer you a category like for like replacement vehicle and top- rated and approved vehicle repairs. All clients are treated equally and will be supported from start to finish.
Contacting your insurer
After you have spoken to Accident Angels, you may then need to contact your insurer. We’ll advise you either way and talk you through the process.
When you call your insurer make sure to provide as much information as possible and explain everything in detail. Be careful to contact your insurance company within the time frame set in your policy.
Some of the details that your insurer or solicitor will need are the registration numbers of the cars in involved in the accident, the driver’s details and the driver’s insurance details.
If there were any eye witnesses get their details, pass them to your insurer and ask your insurance company to check if there is any CCTV with footage of the incident.
Information you must collect after the accident:
When you are in a car accident you are obliged to give your details to anyone else involved. Ask the other driver for their car insurance details, their registration number and their car make and model.
Here is some important information you should collect after the accident:
- The weather conditions, road lighting or anything that might have contributed to the accident.
- Description of injuries sustained.
- The damages caused.
- Sketches to help explain the incident and how it happened.
- Take pictures of the damages to your car and the other car.
Don’t talk about the accident:
Right after the accident, it’s important to avoid apologising or admitting the accident was your fault. Even if the accident was your fault be careful as your verbal statement can be used against you at some point down the line.
Let the police and insurance companies determine whose fault it is and just try to keep the conversation about the accident as limited as possible.
Call the Police
Even if it’s a small incident you should contact the police and provide information on the place and time of the accident.
When the police arrive at the scene make sure to ask for a copy of the accident report and if you can’t get that get the officer’s name and the police report number.
If you need more information don’t hesitate to contact us! We can help in all areas of accident claims including road traffic accidents.
Our 24-hour Accident Angles hotline is available to all car drivers and motorbike riders. We can be reached any time on 0800 023 6233 for free, impartial advice.
