A road traffic accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Whether it’s a minor bump or a major collision, knowing exactly what steps to take immediately after an accident can protect your health, your legal rights, and your ability to claim compensation.
At Instant Assist, we help accident victims across the UK navigate the claims process with ease and confidence. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide on what you should do after a road traffic accident.
1. Prioritise Safety
First and foremost, make sure everyone involved in the accident is safe. If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location without leaving the scene. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers.
If anyone is injured, call 999 immediately and request medical help. If the road is blocked or there is a hazard, notify the police.
2. Exchange Information
It is a legal requirement in the UK to exchange contact details with anyone involved in the accident. You should collect the following:
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Full name, address, and contact number
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Vehicle registration number
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Insurance details
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Driver’s licence (if applicable)
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Details of any passengers or witnesses
If the other driver refuses to share their details or leaves the scene, try to note their vehicle registration number and report it to the police as soon as possible.
3. Gather Evidence
If you’re physically able, take photographs and videos of the accident scene, including:
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Vehicle damage
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Position of the vehicles
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Skid marks or road conditions
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Traffic signs or signals
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Visible injuries
Also, make a note of the time, date, weather conditions, and the road type. This information could be critical later on when you make a road traffic accident claim.
4. Report the Accident
If there’s significant damage, an injury, or if the other party failed to stop, you must report the accident to the police within 24 hours. You should also notify your insurance company, even if you don’t intend to claim through them.
5. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel injured right away, it’s important to visit a doctor or hospital. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal bruising, may take hours or days to appear. Your medical records will also support any potential personal injury claim you make later.
6. Avoid Admitting Fault
While it may be instinctive to apologise, be careful not to admit liability at the scene. Liability can be complicated and should be determined through a proper investigation. Even saying “I’m sorry” can be taken as an admission of guilt and affect your compensation claim.
7. Contact Instant Assist
Once you’re safe and have reported the incident, get in touch with our expert team at Instant Assist. We offer free expert guidance and help you determine if you’re eligible for compensation.
Whether you were a car driver, passenger, motorbike rider, or pedestrian, we can help you begin your road traffic accident claim on a No Win, No Fee basis.
Call us now or fill out our quick claim form to get started. Don’t delay strict time limits apply to make a claim.
8. Know Your Right to Compensation
If the accident was not your fault, you may be entitled to claim compensation for:
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Medical expenses
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Lost income
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Vehicle repairs
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Pain and suffering
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Travel costs related to medical care
Our team will assess your case and connect you with a specialist solicitor to ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve.
9. Keep a Record
Maintain a file of all accident-related documents, including:
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Medical reports and receipts
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Photos of injuries or damages
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Repair bills
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Witness contact details
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Communications with insurers or solicitors
This will strengthen your case if you pursue a road traffic accident compensation claim.
10. Understand the Time Limit for Claims
In the UK, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to make a road traffic accident claim. However, in some cases (such as for children or those with mental capacity issues), this time frame may be extended.
To avoid missing your chance to claim, contact Instant Assist as soon as possible after the accident.
Why Choose Instant Assist?
At Instant Assist, we’re committed to making the accident claim process simple, fast, and stress-free. Here’s why claimants across the UK trust us:
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No Win, No Fee Guarantee
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Experienced claims advisors
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Nationwide support
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Quick and efficient process
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Free consultation and case assessment
Final Thoughts
A road traffic accident can turn your world upside down — but you don’t have to go through it alone. By staying calm, following the right steps, and contacting professionals early, you can protect your rights and get the support you need.
Contact Instant Assist today to start your claim and get expert help every step of the way.
Ready to Make a Claim? Call us now or visit our Road Traffic Accident Claims page to start your No Win No Fee claim today!
