Nobody wants to be involved in an accident, but the grim reality is that accidents happen, despite whether you’re at fault or not.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, between 1st January 2021 and 31st December 2021: there was a total of 4,704 injury road traffic collisions recorded, resulting in 50 fatalities, 809 people seriously injured and 6,333 slightly injured.
Follow this 10-step checklist.
Being involved in an accident is usually very stressful.
But it’s at this stage you have to try to remain calm.
Long deep inhales and exhales will get your heart’s BPM back to normal.
Check on the other driver and make sure they’re ok.
When speaking to the driver, remain calm and composed.
Unlock your mobile phone and type in details as quickly as possible
People involved in an accident are stressed and pumped full of adrenaline.
This is not the time to ascertain who was at fault or who should take the blame.
And admitting responsibility even when you believe you’re at fault is not helpful; leave the determination of responsibility to an officer of the law.
If it’s a serious accident, always call 999.
If it is a minor collision call 101.
This is a vital step as you will need a record of the police’s accident report later at the request of insurance companies.
In this era of dash cams, mounted traffic cameras and mobile phones, potential evidence is there if you look for it.
After a collision, gather any witnesses, ask for their names, telephone numbers, registration plates etc.
If you notice any of the witnesses with a dash cam, share your email address and ask them to email you the footage.
It’s important to have witnesses that can back up your version of events.
Some people are hesitant to get involved or share their contact details but if you believe they seen the accident, take down their car model, colour and registration plate.
Exchange contact details with the driver of the vehicle you collided with too.
We’re lucky in 2020 to have mobile phones of similar quality to a professional photographer’s camera.
After a collision, walk around your car and take as many photographs as you can from different angles. Then go over to the other vehicle and repeat this exercise.
After taking photos of both cars separately now take several photographs of both vehicles together, capturing the area around the collision too.
When the police arrive at the scene, recount your story.
We know it’s a stressful time but try to leave out emotion and keep your story factual.
CRASH are NI’s largest accident management company and can take care of everything after an accident.
CRASH can arrange vehicle recovery, collision investigation, organise repairs, provide a replacement vehicle, liaise with insurance companies and offer legal and medical assistance. They aim to take away the hassle from an accident and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
There is no fee for the accident management service as all costs are recovered from insurers involved.
Contact CRASH on 028 9066 0244 for further help and advice.
A lot of people feel a sense of shame and guilt after an accident.
But nobody leaves their house with the intention of causing accidents, so don’t feel ashamed or guilty.
Regardless of whether it was your fault or not, accidents happen.
NIBA is a collective of independent repairers operating in the car and light commercial vehicle market in Northern Ireland. If you need help with vehicle repairs, click here.
This new must-have accident advice guide for motorists explains your rights in detail and how to deal with insurance and claims management companies.
The advice guide will be of massive benefit to all Northern Ireland drivers, and particularly at a time after a collision which can be highly stressful and confusing.
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