We know that sometimes the prospect of making a car accident claim can be daunting. If you have been involved in a car accident it is likely that you are feeling shaken and confused you may have even suffered a personal injury, so the team here at Car Accident Advice Line have devised a way helping you when you need it most.
Here are five simple steps to guide you through making a car accident claim, you could even print them out and keep them in your car for quick reference following an accident.
Stop at the scene
Whenever you have a vehicle accident, no matter how small, even a bump or a scrape, you are legally obliged to stop your car, assess the damage and communicate with any other parties involved.
If you fail to stop then this is technically a hit and run. It is hard to gauge the situation from behind the wheel and you could have caused someone personal injuries without realising.
Get the details
As soon as you have been involved in a car accident it is imperative to get all the essential details from any other parties involved and witnesses of the accident to aid you when making a car accident claim.
You must get the personal details, car registration number and motor insurance details from other motorists involved so that they can be contacted at a later date.
You should also ask any witnesses to the event for their personal details, specifically a name and contact number. If the other party is not admitting liability and you believe you are not at fault then a witness statement may be key to your compensation claim case.
Recall and recount
Write down the series of events that happened immediately after the road accident (it is a good idea to keep a pad and pen in your glove compartment).
It may also be helpful if you draw a diagram or sketch of the accident scene to help our team understand the situation and assess your case more easily when you make a car accident claim. You could even take photographs of the crash scene with your mobile phone or photograph any resulting personal injuries once you get home, as these can also be used as evidence.
Report the accident
Bystanders may call the authorities if you are involved in a serious car crash or major pile up and the police may attend the scene. But, when considering minor car accidents it is your responsibility to report the date, time and location of the accident to the police for their records.
Be mindful if the other party insists that they will do this for you, you should report the accident yourself and that way you know that it has been done.
Just fill out a quick online assessment form with the details of your claim or call 0808 143 43 42 to set the wheels of your car accident claim in motion.
24 hour accident advice line
Freephone 0808 143 43 42
*A replacement vehicle can usually be supplied within 4-6 working hours, where there is an admission of liability from the other person’s insurance company. If this person is not known, their insurance details are not known, they are uninsured or there is a potential dispute over who caused the accident, a replacement vehicle cannot be provided.
