Reporting a road traffic accident

If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of a road traffic accident, you may be entitled to compensation. However, when an incident on the road occurs, there are things you need to do before you can consider making a claim. In this guide, we explain what you need to do in a road accident and what’s expected of you in the eyes of the law before you can start your compensation claim.

What to do in a road traffic accident

Being involved in a road traffic accident can be distressing, leaving you feeling shaken and disoriented. Because of this, you’re unlikely to be in the right state of mind to work out what needs to be done – so being familiar with this information already can help give you a reassuring set of instructions to follow.

The first thing you should do in the aftermath of a road incident is to stop your car as soon as it is safe to do so. You might wish you could simply get away from the event, but it’s important to remember that there could be damage either to you, the other driver, any passengers or witnesses or the vehicles themselves which might not have been immediately apparent. It’s also a legal requirement to stop in the event of an accident so that the proper procedures can be followed.

Once you’ve stopped your vehicle, turn off the engine and turn on the hazard lights. This helps to alert other drivers to any potential obstacles such as debris in the road or vehicles overhanging the highway to avoid further damage. Then, check yourself and any passengers for injuries. If it’s safe to do so, you should also check on the other party – particularly if they were alone at the time of the incident, as they may need assistance.

Next, exchange details with anyone involved – drivers, passengers or witnesses – so that everyone has the information they need for insurance purposes. This information will also be helpful for you should you choose to pursue a compensation claim. You should provide your name, address, car registration number and your insurance details.

Depending on the nature of the incident, this may be all you need to do. However, if you’re struggling to get the necessary details out of the other parties or they have left the scene, you should call 101 to speak to the police on the non-emergency line. It may also be necessary to call 999 if:

• Somebody has been seriously injured or is in danger – for example, if damage to the vehicle prevents them from getting out
• The incident has left an obstruction on the highway – whether that’s a car that cannot fully leave the road or debris from the collision.
• You believe a serious offence has been committed – for instance, dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drink or drugs or driving while disqualified.

Do you have to report a road traffic accident?

Reporting road traffic accidents to the police is not always necessary. If you’ve exchanged details with the other parties, no one was injured and nobody has been accused of a driving offence, then you and the third party can settle the matter via your insurance companies without the need to involve the police.

However, if someone was injured, you think the third party committed a driving offence or you were for whatever reason unable to exchange details at the scene, you must report the collision to the police. This is the law, so if you fail to report the incident to the police within 24 hours, you could face legal consequences.

Regardless of the severity of the incident, you should also report it to your car insurance provider – even if you have no intention of making a claim. Not informing your insurance provider of a road traffic accident involving you is tantamount to providing false information, as your current policy will be based in part on your driving record.

In addition to this, you may also wish to report the incident to a road traffic accident personal injury solicitor if you intend to make a claim. If you choose to do this, be aware that you have three years from the date of the incident in which to claim compensation.

How to report a road traffic accident

Reporting a road traffic accident is simple, and if you need help, assistance can be provided by whoever you’re reporting the incident to.

Reporting a road traffic accident to the police

These days, there are a number of ways in which you can report a road traffic accident to the police. If officers were called to the scene, then this counts as reporting the incident and you can give your details of the incident to the officer there and then.

If police were not called to the scene, then you can either report the incident online or in person at a police station. You must do this within 24 hours of the road traffic accident.

Reporting a road traffic accident online is one of the best ways to get the job done if you are able to choose this method. As well as filling out an online form, you can upload any photos of video footage you have taken at the scene, which may be helpful evidence for the officers handling the report. Once you have submitted the form and any accompanying evidence, you can also download a copy for your own records. Remember to make a note of the reference number, as this can be useful for speaking with your insurance provider or making a claim for compensation if you decide to do so.

If you’d prefer to report the incident in person, you can do so at your local police station within 24 hours of the incident. An officer will ask you questions to get any information needed from you, and you can also ask them questions about what will happen next if you’re unsure or concerned. There’s no need to bring any documents with you to the police station, as officers will be able to access these records electronically.

Once you’ve submitted your report in either of these ways, your report will be assessed by the police. It’s unlikely that you’ll be contacted about it, unless more information is needed or you’re needed to attend court.

Reporting a road traffic accident to your insurance provider

It’s important to report the road traffic accident to your insurance provider, as failing to do so could invalidate your policy and prevent you from receiving a payout when you need it. If you don’t want to make a claim, you should make this clear when you report the incident – depending on the specifics of your policy, this may or may not affect any no claims bonus you’re entitled to. If you do intend to claim, your provider will take you through the process so you know what to do.

Reporting a road traffic accident to a personal injury solicitor

If you were injured in the incident in such a way that it impacts your day-to-day life and affects you financially, you may wish to seek compensation from the at-fault party. The amount of compensation you might receive will depend on the nature of your injuries and the effects they have on your life – you can use our compensation claims calculator to get an idea of the payout you could be entitled to. During the claims process, your solicitor will be there to walk you through what’s happening and anything you need to know or do – you won’t have to do it alone