Accidents happen in the blink of an eye. Whether it’s your fault or another driver’s, accidents can give you quite a shock. It’s important to know what to do in the event of an accident, not only for your safety but also so that you get all the information you need for your car insurance claim.

The first thing to remember is to stay calm and not to panic. Keeping a cool head will help you deal with the situation calmly and clearly.

Here are some useful tips on what to do when you are involved in an accident.

Sub-header: Keep a cool head

First thing is check that everyone is all right. If someone is hurt, call an ambulance immediately. Take a few moments to catch your breath. You may be in shock and need to calm down. Try not to panic or let anger get the better of you, it will only make the situation worse.

Turn off your car after the accident and exchange details with the other driver. You are required by law to stop if a vehicle or any other property has been damaged in an accident.

Check the crash site and decide if it is a hazard to other motorists on the road. If it took place on a blind bend or a hill, warn approaching cars to slow down until the emergency services arrive to take control. If the accident scene is a danger to other drivers, call 999. Everyone involved in the crash must stay until the Police have arrived.

Sub-header: Dealing with an angry driver

Accidents can bring out the best and the worst behaviour in people. If you find yourself in a situation where the other driver is angry and potentially violent, stay calm and whatever you do, do not be bullied into admitting fault for the accident. That is for the Police and your insurer to decide. Try to defuse the situation if you can. Stay calm, take a neutral position and divert the angry driver’s attention. Get the angry driver to help make the crash site safe or check that his/her passengers are ok.

If the other driver does not want to involve his/her insurance company and offers you cash on the spot, refuse it point blank.

Take note of the other driver’s behaviour and try to remember specific details about the accident. Things like if the other driver was holding a mobile phone just before the crash or if you can smell alcohol on his/her breath. Do this without drawing attention to yourself and be sure to tell the Police when they arrive.

Sub-header: Information exchange

Exchanging information might be the last thing on your mind after an accident but it is very important. You must exchange your information with the other driver including car registration number, name and address, phone number and details of the registered owner if not the driver. If the Police are on the scene, they will ask to see your car insurance document also. If you do not have it with you in the car, you have seven days to present it to your local Police Station. If the other driver gives you a false name you can trace him/her by their car registration number.

If you hit a wall, fence or parked car and no other driver was involved, you must report it to the Police as soon as you can. You will also need to give them your car registration number, name and address, phone number, details of the registered owner if not the driver, and show them your car insurance document

Sub-header: Investigating the accident scene

If you’re involved in a minor crash that does not require Police involvement, you need to gather as much evidence as you can. Make a detailed sketch of the crash site noting the exact position of the vehicles, damage, road layout, and street names. Also include the colour, make and number plates of the vehicles involved. If there are any witnesses, get their contact details, as you may need to back-up your version of events. If you have a camera handy, take photographs of the crash site. It may seem a bit over-the-top but the more information you can provide your car insurance company, the faster your claim can be processed.

Sub-header: How to avoid an accident

·         Take regular rest breaks. Don’t let fatigue affect your concentration. Take a 15-minute break for every two hours of driving.

·         Keep your distance. Tailgating only increases the risk of an accident. Keep a minimum of two seconds behind the driver in front of you.

·         Stick to the speed limit. You are twice as likely to kill someone if you hit then at 35mph than you are at 30mph.

For more tips on safe driving visit the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

Sub-header: In-car crash kit

Keep the following essentials in your car.

·         Pen and paper

·         Camera

·         First-aid kit

·         Mobile

·         Warning triangle

Sub-header: Accidents involving animals

The law states that if you hit a farm animal or a dog, you must report it to the Police. However, if you hit any other kind of animal like a cat, try to find the owner or take it to a vet. Check that it’s not hurt or suffering before you leave the scene.

Sub-header: Sorting out your car insurance claim

Dealing with the aftermath of an accident can be time consuming and frustrating if you don’t have the right car insurance. For more information about the types of car insurance available from Churchill, visit http://www.churchill.com.