Car Accident Claim Advice: Are You a Victim?

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Car accidents can happen at any time, and if you are victim of a car accident that wasn’t your fault, there are a few things to bear in mind if you are planning to make a claim. With most car accidents, it can be quite obvious who is responsible. But there are other cases which are not so clear cut. Here is some advice for the scene of the car accident.

Always stop somewhere safe – any motorist involved in a car accident, however big or small the damage, should stop somewhere safe, and should use emergency brake lights to warn other road users of their presence. If you have been involved in a collision, even if the accident was not your fault, it is important that you stop if another vehicle has been damaged or someone else has been injured. Always stop and wait for someone to take your details (even if you did not cause the accident).
Ask for details or report to the police – if you have been injured in a car accident, you need to ask the driver for a valid insurance certificate. If the driver is not able to provide the details for whatever reason, the incident needs to be reported to the police within 24 hours. The driver is then required to take his/her insurance certificate to the police station for verification within 7 days of the report.
Take the driver’s registration details – always make a note of car registration numbers when you have been involved in a car accident. Car registration numbers can be used by the police to track owner details when the driver refuses to disclose details. Please note: the police retain the right to keep all details confidential.
Obtain evidence from witnesses – whether you intend on making a claim or not, it’s wise to get the contact details for witnesses to the scene. Independent witnesses who are able to specify the details of what happened and what they saw can be very beneficial to your claim.
Write down what happened – you will be required to describe what happened in perfect detail. Write down your personal statement with as much information as possible and use this written account as your reference whenever you need to discuss your claim with insurance clerks or the authorities.
Be prepared for court proceedings – if the driver responsible for causing the accident does not respond to claim letters, let your insurance company pursue the matter. Be prepared to take court action if you are pursuing the driver yourself. Independent witnesses at the scene may be able to help you move the claim forward so always try to get witness statements whenever possible. In some cases, you may be required to pay for your own solicitor.
Seek advice for illegal driver incidents – if the driver who caused the accident was driving illegally, you should contact Citizens Advice Bureau for advice on what to do in making a claim. Illegal drivers are not able to hold a strong legal position when it comes to car accident claims.

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