Being involved in a road traffic accident can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. In the moments afterwards, it’s often difficult to think clearly, particularly if you’ve been injured or are worried about those around you.
While every accident is different, knowing what to do next can help protect your health, make dealing with insurers easier and, if the accident wasn’t your fault, support any future compensation claim.
At What’s My Claim Worth, one of the most common questions we’re asked is, “What should I have done after the accident?” The good news is that even if you didn’t manage to do everything at the scene, you could still have a valid claim.
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Make Sure Everyone Is Safe
Your first priority should always be safety.
If possible:
- Check whether anyone has been injured.
- Move to a safe location if it’s safe to do so.
- Turn on your hazard lights.
- Call 999 immediately if anyone has serious injuries or the road is blocked.
Your wellbeing should always come before worrying about insurance or compensation.
2. Exchange Details
If you’re able to, exchange details with the other driver.
This should include:
- Name
- Address
- Telephone number
- Vehicle registration
- Insurance details
Try to remain calm and avoid discussing who was at fault. Liability can often be determined later using evidence.
3. Take Photographs
Your mobile phone can provide some of the most valuable evidence following an accident.
If it’s safe to do so, photograph:
- The vehicles involved.
- Damage to the vehicles.
- Road markings.
- Traffic signs.
- Skid marks.
- The position of the vehicles.
- Weather or road conditions.
- Any visible injuries.
Even photographs that seem unimportant at the time can prove helpful later.
4. Speak to Witnesses
If anyone saw the accident happen, ask whether they’d be willing to provide their contact details.
Independent witnesses can be particularly valuable if there’s any disagreement about how the collision occurred.
5. Check for Dashcam or CCTV Footage
Dashcam footage has become increasingly important in road traffic accident claims.
If you have a dashcam, make sure you save the footage as soon as possible.
It’s also worth looking to see whether nearby businesses, homes or public transport vehicles may have CCTV that captured the incident.
6. Seek Medical Attention
Even if you think your injuries are minor, it’s important to seek medical advice.
Some injuries, including whiplash, concussion and soft tissue injuries, may not become fully apparent until hours or even days after the accident.
A medical assessment ensures you receive the treatment you need while also creating an important record of your injuries.
7. Keep a Record of Your Recovery
Recovery doesn’t stop when you leave hospital.
We often encourage people to keep a simple record of:
- Medical appointments.
- Physiotherapy sessions.
- Medication.
- Time off work.
- Daily pain levels.
- Activities they’re unable to do.
Many clients also find it helpful to keep a diary describing how their injuries have affected everyday life.
This information can be useful if you later decide to pursue a compensation claim.
8. Keep Receipts and Financial Records
Road traffic accidents often lead to unexpected expenses.
Keep receipts for anything connected to your injuries, including:
- Prescription charges.
- Parking at hospital appointments.
- Taxi fares.
- Medical equipment.
- Physiotherapy.
- Lost earnings.
These costs may be recoverable as part of a compensation claim.
9. Speak to a Specialist Legal Adviser as Soon as You Can
Many people assume they need to gather all the evidence themselves before asking for legal advice.
That’s simply not the case.
At What’s My Claim Worth, we regularly help people who only have limited information about their accident. Once we understand what happened, we can advise you on your options and explain what additional evidence may be needed.
The sooner you seek advice, the easier it can be to preserve evidence and begin investigating your claim.
What If You Didn’t Do Everything on This List?
Don’t worry. It’s very common for people to forget things after a traumatic event.
Perhaps you didn’t take photographs.
Maybe you didn’t speak to witnesses.
Or perhaps your injuries meant you were taken straight to hospital.
None of these things automatically prevent you from making a compensation claim.
Every case is different, and there are often other ways of obtaining evidence.
If you’re unsure, it’s always worth asking.
How What’s My Claim Worth? Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident that wasn’t your fault, understanding what to do next can feel overwhelming.
At What’s My Claim Worth, we’ll explain your options in plain English and answer any questions you have about the claims process.
Whether your accident happened yesterday or several months ago, we’ll take the time to understand your circumstances and help you decide what to do next.
If you think you may have a claim, contact us for a free, no-obligation discussion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to call the police after every road traffic accident?
Not always. However, if someone has been injured, the road is blocked or certain other circumstances apply, you should contact the police. You may also have legal obligations to report the accident depending on the situation.
What if I didn’t take photographs?
Don’t worry. While photographs can be helpful, they’re not essential. Other evidence, including medical records, witness statements and vehicle damage reports, may still support your claim.
Should I see a doctor even if I feel okay?
Yes. Some injuries take time to develop, and it’s always sensible to seek medical advice after a road traffic accident.
Can I still claim if the accident happened a few months ago?
Possibly. In most cases, you have three years to begin a personal injury claim, although it’s usually best to seek advice as soon as possible.
What if the other driver admits the accident was their fault?
Even if liability seems clear, it’s still worth obtaining specialist advice to ensure your injuries and financial losses are properly considered.