Personal injury
What to do after a road traffic collision
If you’ve been involved in a road traffic collision, it can be difficult to know what you’re supposed to do next. Our personal injury experts advise the best steps to take following an accident on the road to ensure you are in the best position for legal support.
Being involved in a collision on the road, whether as a driver, passenger or pedestrian, can have major impacts. As well as causing major distress they can also leave you with lasting injuries.
At distressing times such as the aftermath of a collision, it can be difficult to know what to do next. There are several key steps to take after a crash to guide you through the confusion and shock.
Safety first
In Scotland, if you have a collision on the roads, you must stop your car immediately where it is safe to do so. Park your vehicle safely and where it is not impacting other drivers on the road, this is to avoid other potential dangers. Make use of your hazard lights and take a minute to gather your thoughts and calm yourself. Remaining calm can seem difficult but it will allow you to make rational decisions in the aftermath. You should also use this time to ensure the safety of any passengers.
Calling the police
If anyone is injured, a roadblock has been caused, or there is a disagreement in what happened to cause the accident or who was at fault, it is imperative to call the police. When the police arrive, answer any questions honestly and clearly. They will record the scene and make note of their findings. This can later be used as legal supporting evidence and prove essential should you wish to make a claim.
Failure to report accidents to the police may result in fines, license suspension, or legal complications if insurance claims arise.
Exchange information
It is important to exchange details with the other parties involved, including full names, contact information, and insurance details. Having complete and accurate information is essential for the claims process and helps prevent disputes.
Document the scene
Take photos, videos, and witness statements from the scene. These are crucial for evidence of what happened to cause the collision. This can help establish liability, protect against false claims, and strengthen your position in case of legal disputes.
Seek medical attention
Your health and the health of anyone involved is the main priority, making this the most important step. Seeking medical attention is not only necessary for health reasons, as the medical record created during this time will also serve as legal evidence of any injuries you may have sustained.
We are here to help
If you have been involved in a road traffic collision, legal representation may not only be helpful, but also essential.
If the crash resulted in serious injuries, it could mean lost wages, medical costs and potentially long-term health impacts. Our team of leading experts in personal injury law work closely with medical experts who can advise on future care and any rehabilitation needed. Our in-house rehabilitation coordinator can provide immediate support to ensure the best start on the road to recovery.
Contact us online or call us on 0330 041 5869 today.