What to Do After a Car Accident: A Step-by-Step Guide

Being involved in a car accident – whether minor or serious – can be incredibly stressful. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed in the moment. That’s why it’s important to know what to do before you ever find yourself in that situation. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to take after a road incident, helping you stay safe, protect your rights, and ensure your vehicle is properly assessed.

1. Ensure Everyone's Safety
Your first priority should be safety. Switch off your engine immediately and switch on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If anyone is injured, call the emergency services on 999 right away.

If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road to prevent further hazards – but never leave the scene of the accident.

2. Stay Calm and Avoid Confrontation
Accidents can cause tempers to flare, but staying calm is essential. Don’t assign or accept blame at the scene – even a simple apology might be considered an admission of fault later on. Keep conversations factual and courteous.

3. Exchange Details
UK law requires drivers involved in a road accident to stop and share the following information:

Full name and contact number
Vehicle registration number
Insurance details
Driving licence information (if requested)
Address (including the registered address of the vehicle owner, if different)
If anyone refuses to give their information, call the police to report it.

4. Collect Evidence
Even if the accident seems minor, gathering evidence is vital. Use your phone to:

Take wide and close-up photos of vehicle damage and the surrounding area
Capture road signs, weather conditions, and skid marks
Record the position of vehicles involved
Photograph any injuries (if appropriate)
Also note the time, date, location, and names/contact details of any witnesses.

5. Notify Your Insurance Provider
Report the accident to your insurer as soon as you can – ideally within 24 hours. Even if you don’t plan to make a claim, many policies require notification. Provide as much detail and evidence as possible to support your account of what happened.

6. Report to the Police (If Needed)
You must report the incident to the police within 24 hours if:

Someone is injured
The other party didn’t stop or provide their information
There’s damage to property or public infrastructure
You suspect the other driver was under the influence
Failing to report a notifiable accident can lead to penalties.

7. Get Your Vehicle Checked by a Professional
Not all damage is visible. Even minor collisions can affect your suspension, alignment, or safety systems. Always have your vehicle inspected by a trusted technician to ensure it’s roadworthy.

At Service MOT Repairs, our technicians carry out detailed post-accident checks to help you drive away with confidence. We offer professional repairs, diagnostics, and safety inspections using manufacturer-approved parts and methods.

Accidents Happen – Be Prepared

No one expects to be involved in a collision, but knowing how to respond makes a stressful situation more manageable. Keeping this guide handy in your glovebox or saved on your phone could make all the difference if the unexpected happens.

For professional help after an accident, contact us – we're here to help you get back on the road, safely and swiftly.