Car accidents can be stressful, even when they’re minor. Whether it’s a small scrape in a parking lot or a slight bump at a junction, knowing what to do next is crucial. In the UK, the rules around reporting car accidents to the police can feel a bit confusing, especially when the damage seems insignificant.
So, let’s break it down in simple terms to help you understand your responsibilities and avoid any legal pitfalls.
When Must You Report a Car Accident to the Police?
The law in the UK is clear about when you need to involve the police after a car accident. Here are the key scenarios:
If Someone Is Injured
If the accident results in any injury, whether it’s to a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, you must report it to the police. You must do so as soon as possible, ideally within the first 24 hours. Even if the injury seems minor, it is best advised to err on the side of caution.
If you are not at fault for an accident, you may be eligible for compensation. We at Instant Assist secure and manage compensation claims for clients involved in road traffic accidents. Contact us today. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so we guarantee you will not pay anything unless we deliver results.
If There’s Damage to Someone Else’s Property
If you are at fault for the accident and you hit another vehicle or object, such as a wall or fence, you must stop and inform the property owner. This includes providing your name, address, and vehicle registration number. If the owner isn’t around (e.g., if you hit a parked car), you must leave your details in a visible place, like under the windshield wiper, and report the incident to the police within 24 hours.
If damages have occurred as a result of the incident and you do not know what to do, we at Instant Assist have your back. We can take over the claims process so that you receive your owed compensation easily. Contact Instant Assist at 02 to learn how we can assist you right away.
If the Other Driver Leaves the Scene
In the case of a hit-and-run accident, where the other driver doesn’t stop or provide their details, you should report the incident to the police immediately. It helps the authorities have a record of the accident and also protects you.
Feeling anxious and overwhelmed after a hit and run is completely normal and understandable, so do not think you have to go through it alone. Instant Assist takes pride in processing claims for collisions caused by drivers who abscond. Reach out to us as soon as possible, and we will do everything so that you will receive your compensation.
What Happens If You Don’t Report an Accident?
Not filing a report after an incident that one is legally obliged to can lead to drastic outcomes such as:
- Penalty Points: Up to 6 points on your driving licence.
- Fines: A fine of up to £5,000.
- Prosecution: In severe cases, you could be taken to court.
“You must report the collision no matter who was at fault. If you don’t stop at the scene or report an incident, you could be committing an offence and be charged. The penalties include: a fine, up to six months in prison, penalty points on your licence. The court can also disqualify you from driving.”
Don’t let a minor accident turn into a major legal issue. If you’re unsure about what steps to take after an accident, Instant Assist is here to guide you. Speak to one of our experts today for advice on what to do next!
How to Report an Accident to the Police
If you need to report an accident, here’s how to do it:
- Call 101 – For reporting incidents, 101 is the number to call for the police in non-emergency situations.
- Call 999 – If someone is injured or the accident is causing a hazard (e.g., blocking the road), call 999 for immediate assistance.
- Visit a Police Station—If you prefer, you can report the incident to the nearest police station.
When reporting, be prepared to provide details such as:
- The exact time and date together with the geographic position of the incident
- The motor cars that took part, including their registration numbers.
- Witnesses are to include name, address, and phone numbers.
At Instant Assist, we can help you navigate this process smoothly and handle your road traffic accident claim from start to finish. Contact us today to discuss your case!
What Happens After Reporting a Collision?
Your report will be assessed, and you’ll only be contacted if further action is needed, such as providing a witness statement or attending court.
- If your report does not involve injuries or allegations of bad driving, the police are unlikely to contact you again.
- If you made an allegation against another driver, the police will assess the case, and:
- They may not pursue the allegation, though they could keep the report for intelligence purposes.
- They may take action, such as issuing a Notice of Intended Prosecution to the other party, without your further input.
- In rare cases where the matter goes to court, you may be contacted to provide evidence.
Claims revolving around accidents can be tricky, but with Instant Assist, it is simple. We operate on a no-win, no-fee model, meaning that you have nothing to lose. Reach out to us immediately to begin your claim process.
What About Insurance?
Even if you don’t need to report the accident to the police, you should still inform your insurance company. Most policies require you to report any accident, no matter how minor. Failing to do so could result in your policy being invalidated, leaving you unprotected if a claim is made later.
If you’re unsure about how to deal with insurance companies, let Instant Assist handle it for you. We deal with insurers every day and ensure that our clients receive the maximum compensation possible. Call us now for a free consultation!
Final Thoughts
Minor car accidents happen to the best of us, but knowing how to handle them can save you a lot of stress and hassle. While not every scrape or bump needs to be reported to the police, it’s important to understand when it’s legally required. When in doubt, it’s always better to report the incident and inform your insurer. After all, it’s not just about following the law, it’s about protecting yourself and others on the road.
At Instant Assist, we specialize in road traffic accident claims management and are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Whether you’ve suffered an injury, damage to your vehicle, or been involved in a hit-and-run, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
