Question

What should you actually do at the scene of an accident?

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Answer

Deal with safety, then legal obligations, then evidence — in that order, and before discussing anything with the other driver.

Immediately:

Stop. Failing to stop after an accident involving injury or damage is a criminal offence in most jurisdictions, regardless of fault.

Make the scene safe — hazard lights, ignition off, high-visibility clothing, and warning triangle where appropriate. On a motorway or fast road, get out on the passenger side and behind a barrier; do not stand near the vehicles.

Check for injuries and call the emergency services if anyone is hurt, the road is blocked, or a vehicle cannot be moved safely.

Do not move seriously injured people unless there is immediate danger.

The legal exchange. You must generally provide your name, address, vehicle registration and, where required, insurance details to anyone with reasonable grounds to ask. If details cannot be exchanged at the scene, most jurisdictions require reporting to the police within a defined period, commonly 24 hours.

What to record, which is where most claims are won or lost:

Photographs of all vehicles from several angles including wide shots showing position, the road layout, signs, signals, skid marks, debris and any damage to property.

The other vehicle's registration, make, model and colour.

Names and contact details of drivers, passengers and any independent witnesses — these are extremely valuable and disappear within minutes.

Time, date, weather, light and road conditions.

Whether anyone was injured, and any statements made.

What not to do:

Do not admit fault or apologise in a way that implies it. Liability is for the insurers to determine; an admission at the roadside can complicate a claim substantially even when you were not at fault.

Do not agree to settle privately before knowing the damage — the cost is routinely far higher than it looks, particularly with sensors and paint.

Do not leave until obligations are met.

Afterwards: notify your insurer promptly even if you do not intend to claim, since policies require it. Be wary of unsolicited calls about your accident, which indicate your details have been passed on.

General information, not legal advice.

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