Drivers aged 18-24 account for a high proportion of the UK’s road traffic accidents, if you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in a road collision; this practical guide offers key tips on the action you should take in the aftermath of an accident.
Book Theory Test Today says: “Involvement in a road traffic accident can be an extremely traumatic experience, causing injury and expense. Fortunately, millions of journeys take place per day without incident however, should the unexpected happen it’s vital to know how to handle the situation.â€
Here’s Book Theory Test Today’s ten step guide of what to do following an accident:
1. Secure Your Safety – Accidents occur in many locations, some of those locations not only represent a danger to you, but to other road users. In the immediate aftermath of an accident the priority, if possible, is to secure the safety of yourself and any passengers that are travelling with you. If it’s safe to do so this may involve moving damaged vehicles out of the path of other road users in order to prevent an even more serious incident.
2. Seek Medical Attention – Upon securing your own safety and the safety of your passengers if there are any injuries dial 999. Any injuries, no matter how minor they may appear, need to be checked by a medical professional. Also, having a medical report could prove vital further down the line should an official record be required as evidence of injury in a road traffic accident.
3. Inform the Police/Vehicle Recovery – You may be unaware, but if anyone is injured in an accident the driver is required, by law, to inform the police. Minor accidents should also be reported in order to obtain an incident number for insurance purposes. In order to have your car recovered as quickly as possible contact a vehicle recovery service, they will be able to assist you to get back on the road again (in the event of a minor collision), or transport your vehicle to a garage for repair.
4. Exchange Details – In the event of any accident all parties involved must exchange details in order to make an insurance claim.
5. Witness Details – Identify any witnesses to a road traffic accident and obtain their details where possible. Independent witnesses can prove vital to your case when making an insurance claim.
6. Inform Your Insurer – Get in contact with your insurer as soon as possible to report the accident. Provide as much detail as you can as this will enable them to process your insurance claim much more swiftly.
7. See Your GP (Doctor) – Some injuries are not glaringly obvious after a road accident has occurred and, in the initial aftermath of an accident, may be missed by a medical professional. It’s advised that you make an appointment with your doctor if you experience any discomfort days or weeks after a road accident.
8. Claim Compensation – If you believe the accident to be no fault of your own or you feel the insurance process has not been sufficient enough you can pursue compensation.
9. Seek Specialist Compensation Advice – In order to claim compensation you can seek the help of a professional compensation firm, the majority of which will offer free impartial advice and assess your case.
10. Recover – In the event of a serious accident recovery time is important. In following the ten step guide you can rest assured that the professionals are handling everything that needs to be taken care of, leaving you to concentrate on returning to health.
Tags: Car Safety Advice, Car Safety News, Road Safety Advice, Road Safety News, Safe Roads, Safe Streets