Help during and after an accident

Practical advice for if you’re involved in an accident or collision with a vehicle. Know what to do at the scene and the next steps to take.

What to do at the scene of an accident 

Being involved in an accident can be stressful and disorienting. Knowing what to do in the moment can help you to stay safe, protect others, and make the situation easier to manage. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to what you should do immediately after the accident happens. 

A person standing next to a car with the door open, holding a phone to their ear, with another person standing nearby
1

Stop and assess

Turn off your vehicle, switch on your hazard lights and assess what’s happened. Check yourself for injuries first, then your passengers. If anyone is seriously hurt, call 999. Even if injuries seem minor, it’s important not to rush this first check, as adrenaline can mask symptoms.

2

Make the area safe

Think about your surroundings. If it’s possible, move yourself and others away from traffic. Create as much visibility of your vehicle as you can – leave your hazard lights on and set out a warning triangle 40-50 metres behind your vehicle if it is safe to do so.

3

Exchange details

You are legally required to exchange details with anyone involved. This should include your name, address, contact information, vehicle registration, and insurance details. Stay factual and avoid making assumptions. Do not admit fault or speculate about the cause of the accident at the scene.

4

Gather evidence

Record as much information as you can. Photos are useful for capturing vehicle positions, damage, road layout, and any relevant signs or markings. Note the time, date, and exact location of the accident, as well as asking any witnesses to provide contact details.

Explaining your location to 999

If you need to call 999, being able to clearly explain where you are will help emergency services reach you faster. Try to stay calm and give as much detail as possible, even if you’re unsure of the exact location.  

Motorway

If you’re on a motorway look for marker signs. These are small blue or white signs at the side of the road that show the road number, direction, and a location reference.

Non-motorway

If you’re not on a motorway, use nearby landmarks or signage such as road names, junctions, buildings, or recognisable places.  

Location apps

Apps such as What3Words, Google/Apple Maps and Waze can also give you accurate location information if you have a data signal. 

Two cars after a collision, with visible side damage and debris on the road.

What to do if the accident is with a foreign vehicle

If the accident took place in the UK, the steps for making the scene safe and swapping insurance information are the same no matter where the other vehicle is registered.

The only difference is that you can ask the other driver if they know their Green Card number. This is an internationally recognised way to quickly identify which insurer will represent them if you submit a claim against them. Don’t worry if they don’t know it, just make sure you get their vehicle registration number at the very minimum.

What if the accident happens abroad?

If you’re involved in an accident abroad, the immediate steps at the scene are still very similar, but there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind.

Follow our guide of what to do if you have an accident while driving abroad.

View from inside a car of a European lorry approaching on the left through a rain‑covered windscreen

What to do after you leave the scene

Once you’ve left the scene, there are a few important follow-up steps.

1

Seek medical advice if needed

Not all injuries are immediately obvious. If you begin to feel unwell, sore, or notice symptoms later, you should speak to your GP or visit your nearest A&E or minor injuries clinic.

2

Contact your insurer

You should report the accident to your insurer as soon as possible, even if you don’t plan to make a claim. It’s also advisable to check through your insurance policy documents to make sure you understand which services you’re covered by and entitled to claim for.

3

Submit a claim

If the accident wasn’t your fault and you’d like to make a claim against the other party involved, submit the information you collected at the accident scene to your insurer, and they’ll advise you on how to proceed.

4

Arrange ongoing support if needed

Accidents can have an emotional impact as well as a practical one. If you need support, there are services available that can help you through the next steps.

Useful items to keep in your vehicle

Having a few essential items in your vehicle can make a real difference if you’re involved in an accident or breakdown. These items can help keep you safe, comfortable, and visible while you wait for assistance. 

  • A high-visibility (hi-vis) jacket is one of the most important things to carry. In the UK, it’s not a legal requirement, but in many European countries, carrying and wearing a hi-vis jacket is mandatory, so it’s worth checking local rules if you’re travelling abroad. 

  • A warning triangle for use on non-motorway roads 

  • A warm blanket  

  • A phone charger or power bank  

  • A torch 

  • A basic first aid kit for minor injuries 

  • Bottled water  

A person wearing a high visibilty vest at the road side standing next to their car while using their mobile phone and a hazard warning sign on the road for their safety.

FAQs about what to do after an accident

You have a legal obligation to declare any accident to the police, no matter how big or small, or what your part in the accident was. If you were using a motor vehicle at the time of the accident, you must also report it to your own motor insurer, regardless of who was at fault.  

If you plan to make a claim against a hit-and-run driver, then you must report the accident to the police before you begin your claim submission.  

You’ll need to share enough information for both parties and their insurers to identify who was involved and what happened. This typically includes names, addresses, contact numbers, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance details. 

It’s also helpful to take note of the make and model of the vehicles involved, the location of the accident, and the time and date. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact details as well. The more accurate and complete your information is, the easier it will be to handle any resulting claims.

If the other driver doesn’t stop or refuses to share their details, try to gather as much information as you can. The vehicle registration number, vehicle description, or direction of travel can be useful. Witnesses may also be able to help identify what happened. 

You should report the incident to the police as soon as possible. After that, contact your insurer and explain the situation. If the driver is uninsured or untraced, MIB may be able to assist.