Claiming compensation – what to do after a car accident.
It is important that you know what to do after a car accident, in case you end up making a compensation claim against the other driver involved.
Car accidents are common and happen everyday, and regardless of the severity of the crash there are things you should and should not do at the scene.
What should you do?
Consider whether you need medical treatment.
Whether you do or do not require treatment will depend on the severity of the car accident.
It can be easy to miss signs of injury because the stress and excitement of the situation produces endorphins which can act as painkillers. Even at slow speed, an impact can cause an injury but you might not be aware of this until the following day or so.
Exchange contact details with the other parties involved.
Take the details of all the other drivers involved, and witnesses who saw what happened.
Contact your car insurance company straight away.
Once you have collected all contact and insurance details, you should contact your insurance company to report the accident. The faster you report the accident the better it will be for your claim. Write down what happened so that you can clearly remember the event at a later date.
What shouldn't you do?
Don't admit liability – watch what you say.
Be careful what you say, you don’t want to inadvertently admit liability for the accident. Don’t apologise for the accident as that in itself could be used against you as an admission of fault.
Don't answer any questions posed by the other driver.
If the driver or passengers in the other car ask you questions, politely decline to answer them. Advise you will answer questions about the car accident when the insurance company is involved, and after you have spoken to a solicitor.
After a car accident to not accept any offer to pay for damage.
If the driver of the other car offers to pay for damage to your car, do not accept the offer. There could well be damage to your car that is not immediately obvious.
If you want to make a claim for car accident compensation, call 0800 633 5730. We can assess your car accident claim and advise a likely compensation payout.