Reviewed by Anthony Watson — Solicitor, Personal Injury; 30 years’ experience.
The period immediately after a road traffic accident can be confusing. Sensible early steps can protect health, comply with legal duties and preserve evidence, but nothing should be done at the expense of personal safety.
This checklist provides general guidance for collisions in England and Wales.
At the scene: make safety the priority
Stop. A driver must stop after a collision falling within section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Move away from immediate danger. If possible, switch off engines, use hazard lights and move to a safe position.
Call the emergency services when necessary. Call 999 where there is serious injury, danger, obstruction or another emergency.
Do not move an injured person unnecessarily. Follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
Remain calm and accurate. Do not argue, speculate or admit responsibility without knowing all the facts.
Exchange and record details
Obtain the information reasonably available, including:
names, addresses and telephone numbers;
vehicle registration numbers, makes and models;
the driver’s insurer and policy information;
the vehicle owner’s details if different from the driver;
witness names and contact details; and
the police reference number, where applicable.
Take photographs or video only where it is safe. Record the vehicle positions and damage, the wider road layout, traffic signals, signs, markings, weather, visibility and any debris. Dashcam footage should be preserved before it is overwritten.
When should the collision be reported to the police?
Where the statutory requirements apply and the necessary details are not provided at the scene, the collision must be reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within 24 hours. Additional reporting duties may apply where another person is injured and an insurance certificate is not produced when properly requested.
Obtain urgent medical help for serious symptoms. For less obvious injuries, seek appropriate advice if pain, dizziness, restricted movement, psychological symptoms or other concerns arise. A medical record can document the symptoms and treatment, but health—not litigation—should be the reason for obtaining care.
Follow reasonable treatment advice and keep a record of appointments, medication and the effect of the injury. Do not exaggerate or minimise symptoms.
Notify the insurer
Most motor policies require prompt notification, even if the policyholder does not intend to make a claim. Provide a truthful factual account, retain copies and check information before approving any prepared statement.
The other driver’s insurer may make contact. You are not required to accept an immediate settlement offer. Consider obtaining advice before agreeing a final settlement, particularly where the medical prognosis or financial losses are uncertain.
Preserve evidence after leaving the scene
Create a secure accident file containing:
photographs, video and dashcam material;
correspondence with insurers, police and other parties;
medical appointment and treatment information;
payslips and evidence of time away from work;
receipts, invoices and travel records;
repair, recovery, storage and hire documents; and
a factual diary of symptoms and their effect on daily life.
Keep original documents where possible. Avoid posting commentary, photographs or activity updates on social media that could be misunderstood or conflict with the evidence.
Identify the correct claims route
Some lower-value road traffic injury claims may proceed through the Ministry of Justice’s Official Injury Claim service. The process includes investigation by the relevant insurer and an independent medical report. The service can be used with or without a legal adviser.
If the responsible driver was uninsured, provided false details or cannot be traced, a qualifying claim may instead be made to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. Different requirements apply, so seek advice promptly.
Consider liability and all losses carefully
A claim requires evidence that another person’s breach of duty caused the accident, injury and loss. It is not enough to show that a collision happened. Compensation may address the injury and proven financial losses, but the outcome depends on liability, medical evidence, causation and the reasonableness of each claimed item.
Keep losses under review. Future earnings, treatment, care and other needs should not be estimated casually. In a significant injury case, suitable expert evidence may be required before settlement.
Do not overlook the time limit
In many personal injury claims, proceedings must be commenced within three years of the accident or the legally relevant date of knowledge. Different provisions apply in some cases, including claims involving children or people who lack litigation capacity. See section 11 of the Limitation Act 1980.
Investigation and medical evidence take time. Obtain advice well before the apparent deadline.
How Qazi & Co Solicitors may assist
We can review the circumstances, advise on the appropriate route, consider liability and limitation, obtain relevant evidence and assess any settlement offer. Funding and costs will be explained in writing before instruction. Acceptance of a matter is subject to an assessment of its facts and merits, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
Important: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The law, official guidance and applicable procedures may change. Advice on an individual matter is subject to conflict, identity and matter-opening checks and a formal retainer.
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What to Do After a Road Traffic Accident: A Practical Checklist
Updated August 2026
Reviewed by Anthony Watson — Solicitor, Personal Injury; 30 years’ experience.
The period immediately after a road traffic accident can be confusing. Sensible early steps can protect health, comply with legal duties and preserve evidence, but nothing should be done at the expense of personal safety.
This checklist provides general guidance for collisions in England and Wales.
At the scene: make safety the priority
Exchange and record details
Obtain the information reasonably available, including:
Take photographs or video only where it is safe. Record the vehicle positions and damage, the wider road layout, traffic signals, signs, markings, weather, visibility and any debris. Dashcam footage should be preserved before it is overwritten.
When should the collision be reported to the police?
Where the statutory requirements apply and the necessary details are not provided at the scene, the collision must be reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and in any event within 24 hours. Additional reporting duties may apply where another person is injured and an insurance certificate is not produced when properly requested.
The relevant duties are contained in section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. A hit-and-run incident should be reported without delay.
Seek appropriate medical attention
Obtain urgent medical help for serious symptoms. For less obvious injuries, seek appropriate advice if pain, dizziness, restricted movement, psychological symptoms or other concerns arise. A medical record can document the symptoms and treatment, but health—not litigation—should be the reason for obtaining care.
Follow reasonable treatment advice and keep a record of appointments, medication and the effect of the injury. Do not exaggerate or minimise symptoms.
Notify the insurer
Most motor policies require prompt notification, even if the policyholder does not intend to make a claim. Provide a truthful factual account, retain copies and check information before approving any prepared statement.
The other driver’s insurer may make contact. You are not required to accept an immediate settlement offer. Consider obtaining advice before agreeing a final settlement, particularly where the medical prognosis or financial losses are uncertain.
Preserve evidence after leaving the scene
Create a secure accident file containing:
Keep original documents where possible. Avoid posting commentary, photographs or activity updates on social media that could be misunderstood or conflict with the evidence.
Identify the correct claims route
Some lower-value road traffic injury claims may proceed through the Ministry of Justice’s Official Injury Claim service. The process includes investigation by the relevant insurer and an independent medical report. The service can be used with or without a legal adviser.
If the responsible driver was uninsured, provided false details or cannot be traced, a qualifying claim may instead be made to the Motor Insurers’ Bureau. Different requirements apply, so seek advice promptly.
Consider liability and all losses carefully
A claim requires evidence that another person’s breach of duty caused the accident, injury and loss. It is not enough to show that a collision happened. Compensation may address the injury and proven financial losses, but the outcome depends on liability, medical evidence, causation and the reasonableness of each claimed item.
Keep losses under review. Future earnings, treatment, care and other needs should not be estimated casually. In a significant injury case, suitable expert evidence may be required before settlement.
Do not overlook the time limit
In many personal injury claims, proceedings must be commenced within three years of the accident or the legally relevant date of knowledge. Different provisions apply in some cases, including claims involving children or people who lack litigation capacity. See section 11 of the Limitation Act 1980.
Investigation and medical evidence take time. Obtain advice well before the apparent deadline.
How Qazi & Co Solicitors may assist
We can review the circumstances, advise on the appropriate route, consider liability and limitation, obtain relevant evidence and assess any settlement offer. Funding and costs will be explained in writing before instruction. Acceptance of a matter is subject to an assessment of its facts and merits, and no outcome can be guaranteed.
Call 020 3161 5450 or contact Qazi & Co Solicitors.
Important: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. The law, official guidance and applicable procedures may change. Advice on an individual matter is subject to conflict, identity and matter-opening checks and a formal retainer.
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