Minor / Major Accident
Unfortunately accidents can happen, here’s what to do if you have a car accident
When a car accident occurs, you need to know what to do.
(Whether it’s your fault or not)
Minor Accident
Never leave the scene of an accident regardless of how bad the accident is or who is at fault, the law requires you to stop. If you drive away, you can be charged with a hit-and-run even if you are not at fault. A minor accident is an accident that does not involve any injuries or large scale damage to any vehicles or property. If there are any injuries, if the accident is blocking a lane of traffic and cannot be moved, or if there is significant damage, call the police immediately.
Assigning Blame
For any type of accident, you should never admit fault or apologize. On the other hand, you should never accuse the other driver of being at fault. Immediately after an accident is not the time to play the blame game. The insurance companies can solve that argument. Never sign anything unless it is from a police officer or your insurance company. You should not allow yourself to be bullied by the other driver. What is said and done after a car accident can impact the insurance claim. Sadly, some drivers will be aggressive and try to take advantage of a distraught new driver. Make sure everyone involved is okay. If so, move the cars off of the road and away from traffic, turn your hazard lights on, and turn the cars off. There could be damage to the engine or your car may be leaking fluid. A car fire would certainly make the situation worse. Then, inspect all cars involved for any damage.
Make sure you get the contact information for the other driver, ask for proof of insurance, and write down the insurance information. You should also write down the number plate and a brief description of the car and a diagram of the scene of the accident with street names and take photo evidence if possible. In the future, this information might be needed. You can never been too cautious, and asking for this information is standard procedure when involved in a car accident.
(The recommendations in this information are opinion and are not legal advice. Every car accident is unique, and how to handle the situation is up to the drivers involved and their insurance companies.)
Major Accident
If you are ever in a major car accident, chances are that in the commotion and panic you will not remember all of your advice on what do to in case of an accident. All drivers, not just new ones, should carry a camera, pen and paper in the car.
You must file a police report
A major accident will be handled differently than a minor accident because more action, attention, and detail are required. Whereas, most minor accidents are not reported to police or insurance companies, major accidents will require both police and insurance company involvement. Major car accidents are those with injury, those that cannot be moved out of traffic, or those that have caused significant property damage.
Check for injuries and call 999
After any car accident, try to remain as calm as possible. Check yourself and everyone involved for injuries. If there are serious injuries, make sure you request an ambulance when you call 999. If you are located in an unfamiliar area, look for any street sign or exit sign that can give clues as to your location. This will obviously speed up assistance.
Do not move a seriously injured victim as doing so could worsen the injury. However, if the victim is in danger of further harm, such as a car fire, then move the victim to safety.
If possible, move your car off the road
Once you have confirmed that all people involved are safe, then you can worry about the cars. If possible and legal, move the cars out of traffic’s way and turn the cars off. If the car cannot be moved, turn the car off and turn on the hazard lights. Use a warning triangle if available and necessary. Do not sit in or stand near your car if there is any risk of being hit by another car.
Never admit or assign blame
Never admit fault to anyone, apologize, or accuse another driver of being at fault. An accident scene is not the place for argument, so keep calm and polite. Do not sign any papers unless given to you by the police or your insurance company.
When police arrive, they will make an accident report. Be co-operative, truthful, and state the facts. Remember, anything you say to the police can be used against you later. Do not admit fault to the police, even if you think it was your fault. The other driver may have also made a mistake that contributed to the accident. The insurance companies will work this out. You should have an auto accident report kit in your car (camera, paper, and pen). Fill out the accident report form with information about the other driver(s), any witnesses, the scene, damage to the cars, and an explanation of what happened. Do this immediately while everything is fresh in your mind. Be as specific as possible. Take photos of the damage to the cars and of the accident scene. Your own records of the accident can serve as a supplement to the police report for your insurance company.
(The information provided in this post is opinion and not legal advice.)