Understand what to do directly after a car accident

If you are involved in a non-fault accident, following the correct steps will help in making a successful non-fault claim. In order to take the correct steps, it’s important to understand what to do directly after a car accident:

1. Immediately after the incident occurs

Stop and switch off the car
Inspect yourself and everyone involved for injuries

2. Contacting emergency services

If there are any injuries, call an ambulance for medical assistance
Contact the police if there are serious injuries, the road is blocked, or if the other driver seems uncooperative or uninsured.

If you’re unsure whether to call the police or not, see our guide on knowing when to contact the police.

3. Details and evidence

You must exchange information with the other driver(s) involved.

This is also the best opportunity to collect as much evidence as possible for your claim.

Exchange details

Driver’s full name
Driver’s home address
Driver’s telephone number(s)
Driver’s insurance company
Vehicle registration number
Vehicle’s registered owners details (if the driver is not the vehicle owner)
Passenger and witness details

Collect evidence

Third-party vehicle details
Photographs of both vehicles
Photos of accident scene
Photographs of conditions
Any and all injuries
CCTV cameras or dashcams

For more information on what evidence to collect at the scene, see our guide here on information and evidence to collect at the accident scene.

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