If you’ve just been in a car accident, your head’s probably spinning. Even if it wasn’t a serious crash, it’s a lot to take in. One minute you’re driving, the next you’re dealing with damage, phone calls and what feels like a hundred things at once. Don’t worry — you’ll get through it. Here’s what to do straight after a car accident, broken down in a way that actually makes sense.
Make sure everyone’s safe and call for help
First things first, check that everyone involved is okay. If anyone’s injured, don’t try to move them unless there’s an immediate danger. Call 999 and get the professionals there as quickly as possible. If it’s safe to do so, switch your hazard lights on and move your car to the side to avoid blocking traffic. Even if it seems like just a minor bump, it’s better to get checked over and have it all recorded properly.
Exchange details and gather some info
Once everyone’s safe and the situation’s a bit calmer, it’s time to swap details. Get the name, phone number, address and insurance info of anyone involved. If there are witnesses around, ask for their contact details too — you might need them later. Snap a few photos of the cars, the number plates, the road, and any damage. These photos can really help later on if there are any disagreements.
Why you need to report it and think about your next steps
Even if the accident was tiny and you’re not planning on claiming anything, you should still let your insurance company know. You don’t want to be caught out later if the other driver suddenly decides to make a claim. And if there’s any damage to someone else’s car, property or if someone’s hurt, you legally need to report it to the police within 24 hours.
This is also the time to think about whether you might be owed anything. A lot of people assume that claiming compensation for car accidents is only for major crashes, but that’s not true. If it wasn’t your fault and you’re dealing with injuries, lost work or even just car repair costs, it’s worth speaking to someone. You don’t need to decide right away, but don’t leave it too long either.
Take a breath and look after yourself
It’s easy to forget this bit, but car accidents can really shake you up — even if you weren’t hurt. Once you’ve done the essentials, give yourself a minute to calm down. Call someone you trust and talk it through. Whether it was your fault or not, accidents are stressful and sometimes it helps just to offload. If you’re feeling sore the next day or you notice anything odd physically or mentally, don’t ignore it — go see a doctor.
Get your car back on the road
Lastly, you’ll need to sort out the actual car side of things. If it’s driveable, you might just need a quick visit to the garage. If it’s a bigger job, your insurance provider should help arrange recovery and repairs. Keep hold of all your receipts and any emails or paperwork just in case you need to show them later. And if you’re left without a car for a few days, check whether your policy covers a courtesy car.