Road traffic collisions are increasing, with 2024 accidents totalling 333,296 over the 12 months, a 3.4% increase from the year above.
There are many reasons road incidents are increasing; one is that there are simply more cars on the road. But the reality is that driving can be dangerous, and even the best and safest drivers aren’t immune to road collisions.
But what happens if you find yourself involved in a Road Traffic Accident (RTA) and need assistance?
Stop
As soon as you are able to stop the car in a safe place where possible, put it in neutral and turn the engine off. Make sure the handbrake is on, and turn on your hazard lights. This responsible action puts you in control and helps reduce any further risk from your vehicle to other road users or those involved in the incident.
Check Everyone Involved
The next thing you need to do is ascertain if you or anyone travelling with you has sustained any injuries. If you’re okay, can move, and are not in pain, you can exit the vehicle if it’s safe to do so and move everyone away from the immediate scene to a safe place. However, do not attempt to move people who can’t move, have back or neck pain, or have possibly sustained a lot of damage, as this can make things worse.
Call for Help
If you need help at this point, call the emergency services on 999. Ask for the police, and then any other services will be called for in the fire brigade or an ambulance if required.
If you don’t need help from the emergency services but need help moving your vehicle, calling for breakdown assistance or recovery is the next best thing to getting moving and off the road.
Get Evidence
Get as much evidence as you can from any other involved parties, including damage to the cars and any injuries. You also need the details of any witnesses who might have stopped to assist you or saw what happened. Taking pictures or video footage of the aftermath to submit to the police or your insurance company at a later date is a proactive step that can help you resolve the issue once you leave the scene.
Call Your Insurance Company
Calling your insurance company is vital once it is safe to do so. They will need all the details of exactly what happened, who was involved and any evidence you have collected. If you have reported it to the police, they will need the reference number as well as any details about the medical intervention you received. The more detail they have, the easier it will be for them to get on with the investigation, notify who was at fault, and start the process of paying out or collecting monies owed for repairs and compensations. This support system is there to help you through the process. You can also talk to Personal Injury Solicitors who can help you and your passengers claim any compensation you might be entitled to, as the implications of a serious crash can reverberate through many aspects of your life.