What to do if you are involved in a car accident?

If you are involved in a car accident, whether you caused the accident or not, and people have been injured one of the first things you need to do is report the accident to the police, but you should report any accident you are involved in, even if you are not intending to make a claim as the other driver involved may decide to make a claim against you.

Car accident: What is the first steps you should take

Aside from making a report to the police, there are other things to consider when you have been involved in an accident. It is usual for the drivers involved to:

• Exchange names and contact details
• Make a note of any witnesses and get their contact details
• Get the registration details from the other driver
• Arrange to have your vehicle towed from the scene
• Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may receive a letter of demand for payment to cover the cost of damage to the other car. This letter needs to go to your insurance company.

If you are not insured, a letter of demand will mean that the other driver or their insurance company holds you responsible for the accident and wants compensation for the damage to the other vehicle. In this instance you should seek legal advice in regards to your possible liability.

If the other driver was partially at fault you may be able to lodge a counter claim for the damage to your vehicle. Check your legal standing if you feel this may be the case.

Car accident: How to make a claim

If you wish to make a claim for damage to your vehicle, you will need to get at least two written quotes for repair work from two qualified repairers or in the event that the car is beyond repair, you will need two quotes giving a valuation of its value before the accident.

Send copies of these quotes to the owner and the driver (if the driver was not the owner) and also to their insurance company, with a letter of demand for payment.

As long as you follow all the right procedures after an accident, you can be assured that you have covered yourself, in any event, for all the legalities to could occur in the aftermath.