Being involved in a road traffic accident is a stressful and often frightening experience. In the immediate aftermath, it can be difficult to think clearly — but the steps you take in the first few minutes matter enormously for your safety, your legal position, and any subsequent insurance claim. This guide walks you through exactly what to do, in the right order, from the moment of impact to getting your vehicle recovered and your claim underway.
UK law requires you to stop after any accident involving injury, another vehicle, an animal, or roadside property. Do not drive away, even if the damage appears minor. Switch on your hazard lights immediately to warn other road users. If the accident has occurred on a busy road or motorway, and it is safe to do so, move your vehicle to the side of the road or a nearby lay-by to reduce the risk of a secondary collision. On a motorway, follow the same hard shoulder safety rules as for a breakdown — exit from the left side and stand well away from the carriageway. Do not move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger, such as from fire.
Check yourself and your passengers for injuries before anything else. Even if you feel uninjured, adrenaline can mask pain — symptoms of whiplash, concussion, or internal injury may not appear for several hours. If anyone is injured, call 999 immediately and do not move them unless there is a risk of fire or further collision. If the accident involves a hazardous load, a fire, or a serious injury, call 999 regardless of how minor the collision appears. For accidents with no injuries and vehicles that are driveable, you are not legally required to call the police at the scene — but you must report the accident to a police station within 24 hours if you were unable to exchange details with the other party.
You are legally required to give your name and address, and the vehicle registration number, to anyone who has reasonable grounds to request them — this includes the other driver, any injured parties, and the police. Collect the following from the other driver: full name and address, phone number, vehicle registration number, make and model of their vehicle, their insurance company name and policy number, and their driving licence number if possible. Do not admit liability or apologise at the scene — even a casual 'sorry' can be used against you in an insurance dispute. If the other driver refuses to provide their details, note their registration plate and report it to the police.
If it is safe to do so, gather as much evidence as possible before vehicles are moved. Use your phone to photograph the damage to all vehicles involved, the position of the vehicles before they are moved, any skid marks or debris on the road, road signs, traffic lights, and road markings in the area, and any visible injuries. Note the time, date, weather conditions, road conditions, and visibility. Speak to any witnesses and ask for their name and contact details — independent witness accounts can be invaluable in a disputed claim. If there are CCTV cameras nearby — on buildings, petrol stations, or traffic infrastructure — note their location, as your insurer or solicitor may be able to request footage.
You should notify your insurer of the accident as soon as possible, even if you do not intend to make a claim and even if you believe the other driver was at fault. Most insurance policies require you to report any accident within a set timeframe — failing to do so can invalidate your cover. When you call, provide the details you collected at the scene. Your insurer will advise on next steps, including whether to use an approved repairer or your own garage. If the other driver was at fault, you may be able to claim directly against their insurer — your own insurer can help facilitate this. Keep a record of all correspondence, reference numbers, and the names of anyone you speak to.
If the other driver was uninsured, or if it was a hit-and-run where the driver cannot be traced, you may still be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). The MIB is a UK body funded by insurers that compensates victims of accidents caused by uninsured or untraced drivers. You must report the accident to the police and obtain a crime reference number. Claims must be submitted within specific time limits — three years for personal injury claims, and nine months for untraced driver claims. Visit the MIB website (mib.org.uk) for full guidance, or speak to a solicitor who specialises in road traffic accidents.
If your vehicle is not driveable following the accident — due to airbag deployment, structural damage, a flat tyre, fluid leaks, or any warning lights indicating it is unsafe to drive — you will need recovery. Do not attempt to drive a vehicle that may be unsafe, even to move it off the road. Black Eagle Recovery provides 24/7 accident recovery across London and the South East. Our operators are experienced in post-accident recoveries and will transport your vehicle safely to your preferred garage, bodyshop, or storage facility. Call 0330 520 1620 for immediate assistance. If your vehicle needs to be moved from a live lane or motorway, call 999 first so that the road can be managed safely.
While not every accident can be prevented, many are caused by a small number of recurring factors. Distraction — particularly mobile phone use — is now the leading cause of road accidents in the UK. Keep your phone out of reach while driving and use hands-free only where legally permitted. Tailgating is another major cause: maintain a two-second gap in dry conditions and a four-second gap in wet weather. Fatigue significantly impairs reaction time — take a break every two hours on long journeys. Ensure your tyres are in good condition and correctly inflated, as tyre failure at speed can cause a driver to lose control instantly. Finally, always adjust your speed for the conditions — the legal limit is a maximum, not a target.
Vehicle damaged in an accident and not driveable? Black Eagle Recovery provides 24/7 accident recovery and roadside assistance across London and the South East. Call 0330 520 1620 — we'll get you and your vehicle to safety.
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