Being involved in a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Knowing what steps to take immediately after the incident can help ensure your safety, protect your legal rights, and streamline the claims process.
Below is a detailed guide on what to do after a car accident in Scotland, including specific scenarios and frequently asked questions.
Steps To Take After A Car Accident in Scotland
1. Ensure Safety First
The very first thing to do after an accident is to check if you and the passengers are safe and how hurt they are. If there are serious injuries, do not attempt to move them unless the accident is life-threatening, like a fire or a secondary collision, in which case you have no option but to save yourself.
If the accident is minor, the cars must be moved to the side and out of the traffic lane to prevent further blocking of flow while the hazard lights are on. Other drivers will be notified of the obstruction. If available, warning triangles or flares should be used to make the accident scene more visible to other road users.
2. Call the Police
When an accident occurs in Scotland, a police report must be filed when a person gets injured, the other driver leaves the scene without providing information, the other driver is suspected to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or there is considerable damage done to vehicles or property.
For non-emergencies, dial 101, and for serious injuries or immediate danger, call 999. Reporting the accident to the police ensures an official record, which can be useful for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
3. Exchange Information
Once you have contacted the police and you feel safe, you must share the information with other driver(s). For example, share full names, insurance details (policy number and provider), contact information, car registration numbers, and driver’s license numbers.
Remember to stay calm because discussing someone being at fault might be used negatively against you in the future.
4. Document the Scene
Documenting the accident scene is crucial for insurance and legal purposes. Take clear photos and videos of the damage to all vehicles involved, the accident scene (including skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs), and any injuries sustained.
Write down the time, date, and location of the accident, as well as the weather and road conditions. This information can help establish what happened and who may be at fault.
5. Gather Evidence
In addition to documenting the scene, gather evidence such as contact information from witnesses and details about the other vehicle(s) involved, including the make, model, and color.
If you suspect the other driver was behaving erratically or under the influence, note this as well. Witness statements and additional evidence can strengthen your case if there is a dispute over fault. Contact Instant Assist now for a free, no-obligation consultation! Call 02030 264595 or visit our website to start your claim.
6. Notify Your Insurance Company
Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, even if you don’t plan to make a claim. Failure to notify your insurer could invalidate your policy.
Remember to give all necessary and truthful information that applies to the circumstances, but never take the responsibility until you have all of the background facts.
7. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, some injuries, such as whiplash, may not be immediately apparent. Visit a doctor to get checked out, and keep records of all medical treatments, prescriptions, and diagnoses related to the accident. These records will be important if you need to make a compensation claim for injuries.
8. Obtain Repair Estimates
If your vehicle requires repair, damage control estimates should be obtained from reliable garages. Your insurance provider might need these in order to approve the claim. Therefore, make sure that the estimates give a breakdown of parts costs as well as labor costs.
9. Track Expenses
Make sure to save all documentation pertaining to expenses incurred during the accident, such as medical bills, travel charges (such as trains, buses, or taxis if the car cannot work), and salary lost due to the recovery time needed after the incident. These would be useful if you attempt to get insurance or compensation from your claim.
10. Cooperate with the Insurance Company
Please promptly provide your insurance company with any requested documentation and be honest and consistent in your statements. Cooperation is key to ensuring your claim is processed smoothly.
11. Review Your Insurance Policy
Make sure that your policy is up to date. Examine if you have cover under comprehensive insurance, third-party insurance, or third-party fire and theft insurance, and record any excess that you would have to pay. Additionally, check whether your policy provides legal protection or hire car insurance.
12. Keep Records of Everything
Keep a file of all documents relating to the accidents such as police reports, medical documents, all communication sent and received from the insurance company, and any other costs incurred. Well-kept documents can assist you in managing the claim and provide evidence if necessary, so make sure that they are in order.
13. Seek Expert Advice
If the accident involves serious injuries, disputes over fault, or complex issues, consult Instant Assist. We help accident victims navigate the case so that they get the compensation they are entitled to.
What Happens If I’ve Been In A Car Accident That Wasn’t My Fault?
If the other driver is at fault, you can claim compensation from their insurance company. Your insurer will handle the claim, but you may need to provide evidence, such as photos and witness statements, to prove the other driver’s liability. You may also be able to claim for vehicle repairs or replacement, medical expenses, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering.
What Are The Steps To Take After A Car Accident Where The Other Driver Didn’t Stop?
If the other driver leaves the scene, try to record their vehicle’s registration number, make, model, and color. Look for witnesses and ask them if they saw what happened, getting their contact information if possible.
Report the incident to the police immediately. In Scotland, leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offense. Also, inform your insurance company and provide all available details.
How Do I Report A Car Accident In Scotland?
For minor accidents, you can report the incident online via the Police Scotland website or by calling 101. For serious accidents, call 999 to request police and ambulance services. Reporting the accident ensures that an official record is created, which can be useful for insurance claims or legal proceedings.
Do You Have To Report A Minor Car Accident To Police Forces?
In Scotland, you must report an accident to the police only if someone is injured, there is significant damage to property or vehicles, or the other driver fails to provide their details. For minor accidents with no injuries and minimal damage, you may not need to involve the police.
Can I Still Drive My Car After An Accident?
If your car is roadworthy and not severely damaged, you can continue driving it. However, if the vehicle is unsafe or the police have instructed you not to drive it, you should have it towed to a repair shop.
What Information Should I Record At The Accident Scene?
For each driver involved in the car crash, document their name, phone number, address, and insurance company, if applicable. Record the license plate numbers, capture pictures of the accident site and damages, and note the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Remember to record the atmospheric conditions and traffic conditions because they can help in determining liability.
Can I Make A Car Accident Injury Compensation Claim In Scotland?
Yes, a personal injury claim can be made when injuries are sustained from another individual’s negligence. You can receive compensation for medical care, rehabilitation, wages lost, and even the suffering caused. Employing the services of Instant Assist will guarantee a smooth application of the process while ensuring you are compensated appropriately.
Here at Instant Assist, we specialise in making sure that your claim does not get mishandled and that you get your due compensation for all the damages you have suffered. Give us a call today at 02030264595 for assistance with your car accident claim in Scotland.
What Are The Time Limits For Making A Car Accident Compensation Claim?
In Scotland, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to make a compensation claim. For minors, the three-year period begins on their 16th birthday. It’s important to act promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the time limit.
Can I Make A Car Accident Claim On Someone Else’s Behalf?
Yes, you can claim on behalf of a child under 16 or an adult who lacks the mental capacity to make one themselves. You may need to be appointed as their representative to do so.
Why Is My Car Accident Claim Going To Court?
Your claim may go to court if there is a dispute over who is at fault, the insurance company denies liability, or the compensation amount cannot be agreed upon. If your case goes to court, our team will represent you and present evidence to support your claim.
