What to do in a motorway accident?

The main causes of motorway accidents

What should I do in a motorway accident?

• Move your vehicle to a safe area (if possible) such as the hard shoulder. Make sure to turn on your hazard lights (if possible) and use a warning triangle if you have one available.
• Check if you or any passengers have sustained injuries from the car accident. If anyone in the vehicle has any serious injuries, call emergency services (999) and describe your location as accurately as possible. You can use your mobile, ask someone to call for you or use the motorway SOS call box to make the call.
• Those who are uninjured should try to move away from the vehicle to a safe place, ideally away from the road and hard shoulder. Remaining in or near the vehicle can put you and others in danger, especially immediately after the accident. Anyone who has sustained back or neck injuries should remain where they are, this to avoid creating more serious injuries that could prove fatal.

What should I do after a motorway accident?

• Exchange details with the other driver and witnesses including: the drivers details, vehicle details, witness details and account, time/date of accident and weather conditions.
• Take Photographs and videos of the accident.
• Don’t leave the scene of the accident until all parties involved agree it is safe to do so.
• If you haven’t done so already, report the accident to the police within 24 hours. If you were involved in a collision as a driver or rider you must personally report the incident yourself as soon as possible and, in any case, within 24 hours of the collision. No one else can do this for you.
• Arrange vehicle recovery if needed. If the accident was not your fault, we can arrange vehicle recovery at no cost to you.

What should I do if I witness a motorway incident?

• Do not slow down unnecessarily. For instance, if the accident is on the other side of the motorway and does not affect the traffic on your side, you don’t need to slow down.
• Do not put yourself in danger.
• Turn on your hazard warning lights to warn other drivers that you are stopped.
• If possible, try to use a motorway SOS phone in order to give your exact location. If there is no motorway SOS phone available, dial 999 and try to give an accurate description of the location.
• Try to give emergency service operators clear descriptions of your location, what is happening, how many vehicles are involved and if there are any suspected injuries.
• Do not move anyone from their vehicles unless they are in immediate danger.
• If you are first aid trained, you may want to give assistance. If not, reassuring those involved can be comforting during this stressful time.
• If you believe you have any relevant information, and the police haven’t asked for your witness testimony already, call 101 to report it.

How can Auto Claims Assist help me after a motorway accident?

• Supply 24/7 vehicle recovery - No cost to you if the accident was not your fault.
• Assign you to one of our dedicated claims handlers for a smooth process.
• Provide you with a like-for-like vehicle replacement whilst your car is off the road.
• Ensure your vehicle is repaired to its original standard, including any specifications.
• Connect you with our network of specialist Personal Injury Solicitors if you have sustained an injury.