Learning to drive is all about building confidence and staying safe. Unfortunately, even experienced drivers can be involved in a road traffic accident.
If you've never had an accident before, it's easy to panic and forget what to do. Knowing the correct steps can help keep everyone safe and make dealing with insurers much easier afterwards.
For many new drivers, confidence comes from experience and proper training. If you're still learning, you may find our guide on How Long Does It Take to Learn to Drive With an Instructor? helpful.
Stay Calm and Stop Safely
If you are involved in an accident, you must stop your vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so.
Turn on your hazard warning lights if necessary and check whether anyone is injured. If the vehicles are causing a danger to other road users and can be moved safely, move them to a safer location if possible.
Check for Injuries
Your first priority should always be people, not vehicles.
Check yourself, your passengers and anyone else involved.
Call 999 immediately if:
- Anyone is seriously injured.
- Someone is trapped.
- The road is blocked and creating danger.
- There is an immediate risk to life.
Exchange Details
If another vehicle is involved, exchange the following information:
- Name and address
- Contact number
- Vehicle registration number
- Vehicle owner's details (if different from the driver)
Avoid discussing who was at fault at the roadside. Simply exchange information and let the insurers deal with liability later.
Gather Evidence
If it is safe to do so, collect evidence while you are at the scene.
Useful evidence includes:
- Photographs of vehicle damage
- Photos of the road layout
- Traffic signs or road markings
- Dashcam footage
- Witness contact details
- Date, time and location of the accident
The more information you have, the easier it can be for insurers to understand what happened.
If you're a new driver, choosing the right instructor can make a big difference to how confidently you handle unexpected situations on the road. Our guide on How to Find a Driving Instructor With Good Reviews explains what to look for when comparing instructors and driving schools.
Do You Need to Contact the Police?
You should contact the police if:
- Someone is injured.
- The other driver leaves without giving details.
- You are unable to exchange details.
- You believe a driving offence may have been committed.
If details cannot be exchanged at the scene, the incident must be reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and within 24 hours.
If both drivers stop, exchange details and nobody is injured, there is generally no legal requirement to report the accident to the police.
Inform Your Insurance Company
Even if the damage seems minor and you don't intend to make a claim, you should still tell your insurance company about the accident.
Most insurers require notification of any incident involving your vehicle. Failing to report it could cause problems later if another driver makes a claim against you.
If You're a Learner Driver
Accidents can be particularly upsetting when you're learning to drive.
If you are involved in an accident during a driving lesson, your instructor will guide you through the situation and help deal with the immediate steps. Focus on staying calm and listening carefully to instructions.
Remember that one accident does not define your driving ability. Many safe and experienced drivers have accidents during their driving careers.
If confidence has been affected after an accident, our Nervous Learner Driving Lessons are designed to help drivers rebuild confidence at their own pace.
Final Thoughts
Nobody expects to be involved in a road traffic accident, but knowing what to do can make a stressful situation much easier to manage.
Remember the key points:
- Stop safely.
- Check for injuries.
- Exchange details.
- Gather evidence.
- Contact the police if required.
- Inform your insurer.
Most importantly, stay calm and focus on everyone's safety first.
If you're looking for professional driving lessons in Burton upon Trent, Swadlincote, Ashby-de-la-Zouch or Coalville, visit our Home page to learn more about our lessons and courses.
References
The information in this article has been checked against guidance published by:
- GOV.UK – https://www.gov.uk/vehicle-insurance/if-youre-in-an-accident
- Police UK – https://www.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/collisions/
- Ask The Police – https://www.askthe.police.uk
- The Highway Code – https://www.highwaycodeuk.co.uk
- AXA UK – https://www.axa.co.uk/car-insurance/tips-and-guides/what-to-do-after-a-car-accident/
