Road Traffic Collision: What to Do
Safety first. Help second. Details last.
Call 999 or 112 if anyone is injured, trapped, in immediate danger, or the scene creates a serious danger to traffic.
Keep the sequence simple.
If possible, stop in a place of relative safety. Switch on hazard warning lights. Do not put yourself in the path of moving traffic.
Look for injuries and immediate danger. Move uninjured people away from traffic where it is safe to do so.
Call 999 or 112 when emergency services are needed. Give the exact location, direction of travel, vehicles involved and what you know about casualties.
Do not move an injured person from a vehicle unless they are in immediate danger. Do not remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless essential.
If the collision causes damage or injury, be ready to give your name and address, the vehicle registration, and the vehicle owner’s name and address if it is not yours.
Only when it is safe, note the time, road/location, other vehicle details, witnesses and useful photographs. Never step into live traffic to collect evidence.
- Do not stand between vehicles and moving traffic.
- Do not argue about fault at the roadside.
- Do not move casualties unless immediate danger makes it necessary.
- Do not remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless essential.
- Do not risk entering a live carriageway for photographs or debris.
- Tell your insurer about the accident even if you do not intend to make a claim.
- If you did not give your name and address at the scene, report the collision to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and within 24 hours.
- Where an injury is involved and insurance evidence was not produced when required, UK law can require a police report within 24 hours and production of the certificate within seven days.