Freeclaim Solicitors’ top tips following a road accident

For anyone involved in a road traffic accident, the experience can be highly traumatic and can leave you with both physical and psychological injuries. These can include more minor injuries, such as whiplash and sprains, or more serious injuries, including head and spinal injuries.

Unfortunately, accidents on our roads are all too common. It is estimated that there are around 730,000 accidents on our roads every year. However, very few people know what they should do following a road traffic accident.

Freeclaim Solicitors recommend that if you have been involved in a road traffic accident, you should follow these points:

• Call 999 immediately if anyone has been hurt or is in distress.  
• Stop immediately after the accident and try to stay calm. Do not make any admissions about liability.
• You must stop if you think the accident has caused injuries or damage to vehicles or property. It is an offence not to stop at the scene.
• Try and ensure the area is safe and warn other traffic – switch off engines, put on your hazard lights etc.
• Take the name, address and insurance details of the other people involved in the road accident. You must also provide your details to others.
• Note the registration numbers, makes and models of any cars or other vehicles.
• Take details of the exact location, time of accident, skid marks, road layout, position of vehicles and do a rough sketch of the accident. If it is safe to do so, take photographic evidence to show exactly how the accident happened and damage.
• Take the names and addresses of any witnesses.
• Make a note of any other details you feel are important, including the weather, light etc.
• If you have hit a farm animal or pet animal, you are also obliged to report the accident to the police.
• If you have not done so already, inform the Police within 24 hours.
• See a GP or visit the Accident & Emergency Department straightaway if you are injured.
• Keep records of any time you have taken off work due to your injuries and all expenses incurred.
• If the accident was not your fault (or even if you were partly to blame), speak to a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible. They will be able to get your claim up and running whilst you concentrate on recovery.

Contact Information

D Cobourne

SEO Executive

Hitsearch Limited

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