If you are involved in a road traffic accident, as a driver, a pedestrian, a cyclist or motorbike rider, it can be a life-changing situation in many different ways. There is a road traffic accident that kills or seriously injures someone on UK roads every seventeen minutes, according to the Road Safety charity Brake. This serves as a stark reminder that whatever precautions you take yourself, road traffic accidents still happen and are extremely common. Knowing how to react in the event of an accident is essential and will have a significant bearing on how you recover and how you can manage the future after the accident.
Being involved in a road traffic accident can affect you both physically and mentally, and how you face the future can be influenced by what happens immediately after an accident. It is likely you will feel shaken and confused and the situation may also feel chaotic, but being prepared with practical guidance on how to react after a road traffic accident can help manage the situation smoothly and calmly.
- Prioritise safety
The first priority after every road traffic accident is safety, of yourself and any other people involved. If you were driving, pull over to the side of the road and park the vehicle if it is safe to do so. Do not attempt to drive away from the scene as this could lead to criminal charges. Depending on how busy the road is, you (and any passengers) should stay in your vehicle or find a safe place to stand by the roadside. If you are a pedestrian, or on a bicycle or motorbike, find somewhere safe to wait.
- Reporting the accident
As soon as you are in a safe position, assess your injuries, those of any passengers in your vehicle and then any other vehicles, bikes or pedestrians involved in the accident. Even if there are no visible injuries, people could be in shock, have whiplash or other internal injuries, and therefore it is advisable not to move anyone. If there are obvious injuries, call the emergency services on 999 and ask for an ambulance. You will be asked to describe the location, how many people are involved and the nature of their injuries. You may also require the services of the police if the accident is serious and the road is blocked, or if you suspect another driver has been drinking alcohol or has left the scene without exchanging details.
Even if the accident is minor and there are no noticeable injuries at the scene, you should report the accident to the police within 24 hours by calling 101. It’s best to be cautious, honest and transparent as the onset of some injuries can be delayed or not immediately apparent. This also applies if, in the confusion of the accident, you didn’t exchange details with the other driver. Additionally, you should report the accident to your insurance company, even if you don’t plan to make a claim.
- Gather evidence
Evidence is the key factor in resolving disputes and proving liability. Use your phone to take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions and the weather, and features such as skid marks and road signs. This can help tell a story of how the accident happened and provides clarity for your solicitor and insurers. It is important that once you have made yourself and the scene safe, you capture evidence before anything is moved. You can also assess the scene for nearby houses or businesses who may have CCTV systems that could have captured footage of the accident. This could prove critical in proving liability. Although this doesn’t need to be done straight away, you should also make a note of details such as date, time and location, the speed you were driving and what contributing factors were present.
- Seek medical attention
As mentioned above, some injuries only develop later, so go to your GP, A&E or a walk-in centre to get a health check-up. It is important that you secure accurate medical records as soon as possible after the accident, as this can act as evidence in a potential personal injury claim, that the accident caused your injuries or worsened an existing condition. This early medical intervention can also identify issues you may not be aware of that have been masked by the adrenalin felt after the accident. In the days after the accident, you may also find that your injuries start to affect your daily life or your work. If that happens you should make a note of these issues with documented evidence where possible, as this can also strengthen your claim on how the accident has impacted you.
- Seek legal advice from personal injury solicitors
It is important that you understand your legal rights following a road traffic accident, and particularly where injuries have been sustained or there is a dispute over liability for the accident. Contact specialist personal injury solicitors such as Bridge McFarland, who can advise you on the potential success of your claim and will support you in your recovery. We have expert solicitors who can help you through the claims process from proving liability to securing a fair settlement to cover the impacts of the accident such as health impacts, loss of earnings and other issues such as vehicle costs. We can also represent you in court if a dispute develops into formal proceedings. We operate on a no win, no fee basis for personal injury claims, which means you only pay if your claim is successful.
Professional legal support with road traffic accidents
If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident, following these guidelines can help to prioritise your safety and that of the other parties involved. They can also help to capture evidence and provide the basis on which you can protect your rights and seek justice for any claims you have. Being honest and transparent will support your case and being prompt with these actions will give you the best chances of success.
In 2024, 1,671 people were killed in road traffic accidents in the UK, and 28,804 people were seriously injured. We all need to be vigilant to the possibility of road traffic accidents and prepared in terms of what to do and how to react. If you need expert legal advice and representation after an accident contact our team at Bridge McFarland today.
