A minor car accident can be a new driver’s nightmare. When it happens, it’s essential to remain calm and handle the situation promptly. But what exactly should you do when a minor car accident occurs? In this blog, we’ll go over the necessary steps to follow if you have been involved in a minor car accident. And give you some valuable advice on making sure everything is resolved safely and respectfully for your legal rights. Safe driving is more than just passing your driving test. It’s preparing yourself for all eventual emergencies on the roads. Even if you’re an experienced motorist or a complete beginner, knowing what to do after a minor accident is essential.
Minor Car Accident
Step 1: Calm down and assess the situation.
Firstly and most importantly, you need to stay calm after a car accident, no matter how major or minor. Getting distraught or stressed out in such circumstances will only hinder the proactive decisions you have to make. What you should do: breathe in deeply several times to help yourself calm down. Look for injuries: the first and foremost goal is to ensure that everyone else in the car is safe. If somebody yells or behaves uncharacteristic, dial 911 instantly: do not argue with another party in an accident, rather take control of the situation.
Step 2: Get to a Safe Place (If You Can)
If the cars can be driven and the accident is minor, you may want to move the vehicles to the side of the road or into a nearby parking lot. This is a way to prevent more accidents and to get traffic moving.
What to do:
If you can do so without impeding others, move your car to a safe location, and turn on your hazard lights so others know you are there.
If the cars are still drivable, leave them where they sit, but make sure to switch on your hazard lights and alert other drivers with warning triangles or flares, if you have them.
Step 3: If Necessary, Call the Police
It may not be necessary to call the police for a fender bender, but in general, if there’s injury or damage or conflict, it is a good idea to report the accident to the police. A police report can assist with insurance claims and protect you legally in case the other party changes their story later.
When to call the police:
- If there are injuries (even if minor).
- If the vehicles or property are substantially damaged.
- If there is a disagreement about establishing who’s at fault, or if the other driver is not being responsive.
- If the accident occurs at a spot that needs traffic control (e.g. on a main road or at an intersection).
- If law enforcement is called to the scene, a report — which can be helpful for insurance purposes — will be filed.
You must share information with the other person after an accident. This will be important for insurance claims and for deciding whether the accident was your fault. Please gather as much information from the other driver and give your information.
What to do:
- Full name and contact information: Get the name, phone number and address of the other driver.
- Insurance information: Share your insurance policy numbers, your insurer’s name and how to be reached.
- Driver’s license details: Request the other driver’s license number and license details.
- Vehicle details: Write down the car’s registration number (plates), make, model and colour.
- Witnesses: In case someone was present, note their contact details.
You’ll need to make note of all this information, so that the process of filing a claim is as smooth as possible later on.
Step 5: Take Photos/Video and Collect Evidence
”It is essential to take pictures and document the scene of the accident. This record can be useful either when making an insurance claim or if there is any disagreement about the events of the accident.
What to do:
- Take pictures: Take photographs of the damage to all vehicles as well as the scene of the accident and any additional road conditions (such as skid marks, road signs or traffic lights).
- Document the particulars: Take note of the date, time and place of the accident. Also, take into account what the weather and road conditions were at the time.
- Draw a picture: Sometimes, it can be useful to sketch a brief drawing of the scene to demonstrate how the accident took place.
- Obtain witness statements: If there were witnesses to the accident, get their contact information, as well as a brief statement of what they observed.
If there is ever a complaint of insurance fraud or disputes over the chain of events, having a thorough account of the accident can save you from misunderstandings and maintain consistency.
Step 6: Inform Your Insurance Provider.
After you have your car back in your possession, you should inform your insurance company.
After the initial steps are completed, it is a good idea to contact your insurance company immediately following the accident. But no matter how trivial the accident, it’s important that you report the event to avoid problems with future claims.
What to do:
- Call your insurance company: Tell them about the accident, and share all the information and documentation you’ve compiled.
- Take no other step until you follow the insurer’s instructions: Your insurance company will walk you through the claims process, which may include submitting the photos, a police report (if there was one) and any additional paperwork that is required.
- Don’t admit fault: Don’t admit fault or speculate who caused the accident when you’re talking to your insurance company. Let your insurance company and the police figure this out based on that evidence.
Step 7: Get Medical Help (If Necessary)
Even if you don’t feel any pain right away following an accident, it’s always a good idea to seek medical attention. Injuries caused by a small car accident can sometimes take a long time before they are visible (shortened form: TIF).
What to do:
If you feel pain or discomfort after the accident, go to a doctor or hospital.
Document injuries: Make a record of any medical treatment you receive, which might be important for insurance claims or legal actions.
Step 8: Pursue the Insurance Claim.
If you really want to get what you have a right to from your insurance, you will have to remind your insurer from time to time what you are owed, after you have notified them.
What to do:
- Keep in touch with your insurance company: Monitor the processing status of your claim, and submit any required documents promptly.
- You will repair your vehicle: When approved, your vehicle repairs will be arranged by your insurance company.
Conclusion
Getting involved in a car accident is never desirable, but being prepared and knowing what to do can help you get through the process with less stress. From retaining your composure and exchanging information to preserving the scene and alerting your insurance carrier, doing the right thing not only protects your legal interests but also eases the process.
Being ever prepared is a key factor to becoming a great driver; therefore, here at Learn and Drive UK, we encourage you to be prepared for passing your driver’s test and in the event of an emergency. Visit us at WWW.LearnandDrive.UK, to discover more about safe driving and to book a lesson with an experienced driving instructor.