If you are involved in a road traffic accident in which someone else was entirely or partially at fault, it is critical that you take the appropriate steps immediately and in the days that follow. This will help to ensure your legal protection and give you the best chance of successfully claiming compensation.
This checklist is designed to provide a quick overview of the most important things to do following a traffic accident, so you can be confident that you haven’t overlooked anything. Please contact professional lawyers to help you with a road traffic accident claim for complete guidance through every step of the claim process.
What to Do After a Road Traffic Accident?
Follow our simple guide to filing a road traffic accident claim; it covers everything from documenting an accident yourself to seeking legal counsel and getting the compensation you deserve.
Step 1 — Do Not Admit Liability
You should never admit liability for the accident, even if you believe you were partially responsible. This has the potential to undermine any future claims you make, resulting in the loss of compensation.
Step 2 — Call Emergency Services If Necessary
If anyone is injured or the road is blocked, contact the police and an ambulance. You should also contact the authorities if you feel threatened by anyone else involved in the accident.
Step 3 — Gather the Evidence
To file a road traffic accident claim, you’ll need the max possible evidence to prove that someone else was at fault for your injuries. Collect names, phone numbers, and addresses of those who were involved or witnessed the accident. You should not apologize or accept responsibility until you are aware of what has occurred, as this may affect proving who is at fault.
Step 4 — Make Sure You Get All of the Correct Information About the Accident
These details include the date and location of the accident, the personal information of any other road users and police officers involved, as well as the weather and road conditions at the time. Get information about any witnesses.
Step 5 — Take Photos
All of this information is critical when filing a claim because it ensures you can contact the other parties involved and have a clear record of what occurred.
Step 6 — Contact Your Insurer
You should contact your insurer as soon as possible, preferably right after the accident. Even if you do not intend to file a claim with your insurance company, you should notify them in case any other drivers involved in the accident do.
Step 7 — Seek Medical Attention
It is strongly recommended that you seek medical attention after an accident. In addition to protecting your health, this can provide evidence of any injuries you sustained, which may be useful if you wish to seek compensation.
Step 8 — File a Personal Injury Claim
If you were injured in the accident, you should consider filing a personal injury claim. While some people are hesitant to do so, the compensation available is often substantial, and you risk leaving yourself vulnerable if the other party files a claim while you do not.
When considering making a claim for a road traffic accident Cheltenham, key points to remember are:
- Normally, you need to file a claim within three years of the accident;
- The majority of claims are resolved outside of court, which makes the process faster and less stressful;
- Even if your accident involved an uninsured or unknown “hit and run” driver, you may still be able to make a claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB);
- Claims valued between £1,000 and £25,000 can often be resolved in around 4-9 months with an out-of-court settlement using the government’s Pre-Action Protocol for Low-Value Personal Injury Claims in Road Traffic Accidents;
- Higher-value claims may take longer to resolve, but they can usually be settled out of court;
- Most personal injury lawyers offer ‘no win, no fee’ deals, which means there is usually no upfront cost for you to start a claim;
- It is always a good idea to work with a personal injury team with specialized experience in road traffic accidents because they can ensure all the right steps are taken and that you have the best chance of securing fair compensation.
Being involved in a traffic accident can be a life-changing event. In any case, your daily life has been turned upside down by pain, distress, and upheaval — possibly through no fault of your own. When others are at fault for the accident, you do not have to bear the consequences in silence. You should take action!
