Car Accident UK? Follow These Legal Steps Immediately

Table of Contents

1. Stop Immediately and Ensure Safety

It’s a legal requirement in the UK to stop after any road traffic collision, even if it’s minor.

Turn on your hazard lights
Check yourself and any passengers for injuries
Move to a safe place if possible
Exit the vehicle only when safe
Warn other drivers (use a warning triangle if appropriate)

2. Check for Injuries and Call Emergency Services

Call 999 (or 112) if:

Anyone is seriously injured
There’s danger from leaking fuel, smoke, or fire
The road is blocked or there’s a hazard
The other driver flees the scene

For minor accidents with no injury, emergency services might not be needed.

3. Exchange Details with Other Drivers

You must legally exchange the following:

Name and address
Vehicle registration
Insurance information (insurer and policy number)

If the other driver refuses, call the police. Take note of:

Make, model, and colour of all vehicles involved
Contact details of any witnesses
Police officer’s badge number if they attend

4. Don’t Admit Fault at the Scene

Stay calm and cooperative, but avoid admitting blame or offering to pay—this can affect insurance claims or future legal action. Let insurers and solicitors determine liability based on the facts.

5. Document the Scene

Gather evidence by:

Taking photos of vehicle damage, number plates, and road conditions
Recording the time, date, weather, and location
Making notes of how the crash occurred
Saving dashcam footage (if available)

This evidence is crucial for insurance and personal injury claims.

6. Report the Accident

To the Police:

You must report the accident to police within 24 hours if:

You didn’t exchange details at the scene
There’s injury, damage to property, or obstruction
The other driver fled

To Your Insurer:

Inform your insurer as soon as possible, even if you’re not claiming. Delays can affect your policy.

7. Seek Medical Attention

Always visit a GP or hospital if:

You experience whiplash, concussion, or pain hours later
You have symptoms like dizziness, nausea, or confusion
You’re unsure about the severity of your injuries

Prompt medical records support any compensation claims.

8. Start an Insurance Claim

Contact your insurance provider and provide:

Accident details and evidence
Third-party driver’s information
Any police reference number

If you have legal expenses insurance, you may also be entitled to solicitor support.

9. Consider a Personal Injury Claim

If you were hurt and another party was at fault, you can:

Make a whiplash or personal injury claim
Use the Official Injury Claim Portal (for low-value cases)
Appoint a no win no fee solicitor for more serious or disputed injuries

Compensation covers pain, suffering, lost income, and medical expenses.

10. Understand Your Legal Obligations

UK drivers involved in an accident must:

Stop and exchange details
Report injury accidents to police
Notify their insurer
Cooperate with claim investigations

Failing to follow these steps can lead to fines, penalty points, or prosecution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Do I have to report all accidents?
Yes, if there’s injury, damage, or you didn’t exchange details.

Q2: Can I claim for whiplash under the new UK rules?
Yes. Use the Official Injury Claim portal or speak to a solicitor for larger claims.

Q3: What if the other driver was uninsured?
You can still claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB).

Q4: How long do I have to start a claim?
You generally have three years from the accident date to claim for personal injury.

Q5: Should I get a lawyer after a car accident?
Yes, especially if the injury is serious or the other driver denies responsibility.

Q6: Will my insurance premium go up?
Yes, possibly—even if the accident wasn’t your fault.

Conclusion

Knowing what to do in a car accident UK can protect your legal rights, support your claim, and ensure everyone’s safety. Whether it’s a minor bump or a serious collision, acting quickly, calmly, and lawfully is essential. If you’ve suffered injuries, contact a solicitor and start your compensation claim today.

Martin taggart