The period immediately after a collision can be confusing. Safety and medical care come first, but simple evidence-gathering steps can make a major difference when liability, injury or financial loss is later disputed.
Key points
What to know at a glance
- Prioritise safety and treatment
- Record the scene and witness details
- Notify insurers without admitting disputed liability
- Keep proof of every financial loss
- Obtain advice well before any limitation deadline
Safety and medical attention
Move to safety where possible and contact emergency services when required. Some symptoms emerge later, but contemporaneous medical records can help explain onset and progression. Give clinicians an accurate account and follow treatment advice. Do not exaggerate or minimise symptoms.
Exchange and record information
Record names, addresses, registration numbers, insurers and contact details. Photograph vehicle positions, damage, road markings, weather, debris and nearby cameras if safe. Obtain witness details rather than relying on a promise to contact you later.
Police and insurer notifications
Certain accidents must be reported. Notify your insurer promptly and comply with policy requirements, but remember that an insurer-appointed representative is not the only possible source of legal advice. Keep copies of forms and record the date, time and substance of calls.
Preserve financial evidence
Keep invoices and receipts for repairs, recovery, storage, medication, treatment, travel, care and replacement transport. Record time away from work and obtain wage information. A claim can only include losses that are properly linked and evidenced.
Medical evidence and prognosis
A personal injury claim normally requires independent medical evidence. The expert considers diagnosis, treatment, recovery and future outlook. Existing conditions do not necessarily prevent a claim, but the evidence must distinguish accident-related symptoms from the pre-existing position.
Time limits and early advice
Limitation rules can bar otherwise valid claims, and special rules may apply to children, people lacking capacity or accidents involving public bodies. Evidence also disappears over time. Seek advice early rather than waiting until recovery is complete.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Should I accept an early offer?+
Not without understanding the medical prognosis and the losses included. Settlement is usually final.
Can I claim if partly at fault?+
Potentially. Contributory negligence may reduce compensation rather than defeat the claim completely.
What about an uninsured driver?+
A claim may be possible through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau, subject to its rules.
Can passengers claim?+
Passengers may have claims against the responsible driver or drivers, depending on the facts.
Primary legal sources
Legislation and official guidance
These sources are provided for transparency. Legislation may be amended or commenced in stages, and reading the statutory text is not a substitute for advice.