Top Tips if you are in an auto accident

As nightfall draws earlier please stay alert and drive safe this autumn. The four weeks in November, compared to the month of October, following day light savings… Sees a 30% increase in traffic accidents during the hours of 5pm-8pm!

If you have the unfortunate event of being involved in a car accident, here are some helpful tips on what to do next.

• Pull over somewhere safe. Whenever possible move your vehicle off to the side of the road and if you aren’t seriously injured get out of your car, stand somewhere away from the vehicles and traffic and ring 999 if anyone has been injured.

• Collect their information. Their full name, phone and home address and if possible the name and policy number of their auto insurance. Make sure you give them your details as well.

• Take photos. Put your mobile to good use and take a photo of their license plate, the driver, both cars and the surrounding area. It show proof of the day, time, traffic and road conditions.

• Ring your insurance company. They will log all the information you collected and arrange for your vehicle to be inspected. Depending on your level of insurance they may also arrange for towing and car hire.

• If you have injuries, go see your GP immediately. Assuming you haven’t been seen by an ambulance, it is important to get a copy of the medical report as backup for any future injury compensation claims.

• See a solicitor. Your insurance company will have a law firm they will want to refer your accident to. But it’s in your best interest to get a second opinion. Most firms will offer you a free initial consultation to access if you have a claim, and most offer to work on a “No Win, No Fee” basis so you pay nothing up front.

• Keep a log of all your expenses and time. It’s more than towing, repairs and car hire fees. Don’t forget about your insurance excess fee, loss of earnings, travel to medical appointments, prescription or therapy costs and hours family or friends spent providing you with physical or domestic assistance.

If you or a loved one has been in a car accident and would like a free, no obligation consultation with a member of our Personal Injury Legal Team, simply fill out the enquiry form below or ring your local office.

We are always happy to help answer any questions you may have.