Reviewed by Anthony Watson — Solicitor, Personal Injury; 30 years’ experience.
A road traffic collision can leave you dealing with injury, vehicle damage, time away from work and uncertainty about what to do next. This guide explains the immediate steps to consider and how a personal injury claim is generally assessed in England and Wales.
First priorities after a collision
Your safety and health come first. Move to a safe place where possible, call the emergency services when necessary and obtain medical attention for any injury. Some symptoms develop gradually, so seek appropriate medical advice rather than assuming that a minor initial symptom will resolve.
Drivers involved in certain collisions must stop and exchange the required details. Where the necessary details are not exchanged, the incident may need to be reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and, in any event, within 24 hours. The precise duties are set out in section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Record the available evidence
If it is safe to do so, keep a careful record of the circumstances. Useful evidence may include:
the registration numbers and contact details of the drivers involved;
insurance details;
photographs or video of the vehicles, road and relevant signs;
the names and contact details of witnesses;
the police reference number, where applicable;
medical records and appointment details; and
receipts and records of financial losses.
Notify your insurer promptly and give an accurate account. Avoid guessing about matters you cannot remember and retain copies of relevant correspondence.
What must be established in a personal injury claim?
A claim is not established simply because an accident occurred. It is normally necessary to show that another person owed a duty of care, breached that duty and caused injury or loss. Evidence is then required to assess the nature of the injury and the financial consequences.
Compensation may include an award for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, together with proven financial losses such as loss of earnings, treatment expenses, travel costs, care or assistance and other reasonable accident-related expenditure. The recoverable amount depends on the evidence and individual facts; no outcome can be guaranteed.
Minor road traffic injuries and medical evidence
Some lower-value road traffic injury claims may be dealt with through the Ministry of Justice’s Official Injury Claim service. The service can be used with or without a legal adviser. A suitable medical report is an important part of the process and is required for a whiplash injury claim.
The correct route depends on matters including the accident date, the injuries sustained, the likely value and whether liability is disputed. Take advice if you are unsure which procedure applies.
Uninsured or untraced drivers
A claim may still be possible where the responsible driver was uninsured or cannot be traced. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau operates schemes for qualifying claims involving uninsured, untraced and certain foreign-registered vehicles. These schemes have their own requirements, so obtain advice promptly and report a hit-and-run incident to the police without delay.
Time limits
Personal injury claims are subject to limitation periods. In many cases, court proceedings must be commenced within three years of the accident or the legally relevant date of knowledge. Different rules can apply, including for children, people who lack litigation capacity and fatal accident claims. A court has limited discretion in some circumstances, but it is unsafe to rely upon this. See section 11 of the Limitation Act 1980.
How Qazi & Co Solicitors may assist
A solicitor can assess liability, identify the appropriate claims process, obtain relevant evidence, consider the value of the claim and communicate with insurers or other parties. We will explain the available funding arrangements and any potential costs or deductions in writing before you decide whether to instruct us. Acceptance of a matter is subject to an assessment of its facts and merits.
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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Car Accident Legal Advice: What to Do After a Collision
Updated August 2026
Reviewed by Anthony Watson — Solicitor, Personal Injury; 30 years’ experience.
A road traffic collision can leave you dealing with injury, vehicle damage, time away from work and uncertainty about what to do next. This guide explains the immediate steps to consider and how a personal injury claim is generally assessed in England and Wales.
First priorities after a collision
Your safety and health come first. Move to a safe place where possible, call the emergency services when necessary and obtain medical attention for any injury. Some symptoms develop gradually, so seek appropriate medical advice rather than assuming that a minor initial symptom will resolve.
Drivers involved in certain collisions must stop and exchange the required details. Where the necessary details are not exchanged, the incident may need to be reported to the police as soon as reasonably practicable and, in any event, within 24 hours. The precise duties are set out in section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
Record the available evidence
If it is safe to do so, keep a careful record of the circumstances. Useful evidence may include:
Notify your insurer promptly and give an accurate account. Avoid guessing about matters you cannot remember and retain copies of relevant correspondence.
What must be established in a personal injury claim?
A claim is not established simply because an accident occurred. It is normally necessary to show that another person owed a duty of care, breached that duty and caused injury or loss. Evidence is then required to assess the nature of the injury and the financial consequences.
Compensation may include an award for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, together with proven financial losses such as loss of earnings, treatment expenses, travel costs, care or assistance and other reasonable accident-related expenditure. The recoverable amount depends on the evidence and individual facts; no outcome can be guaranteed.
Minor road traffic injuries and medical evidence
Some lower-value road traffic injury claims may be dealt with through the Ministry of Justice’s Official Injury Claim service. The service can be used with or without a legal adviser. A suitable medical report is an important part of the process and is required for a whiplash injury claim.
The correct route depends on matters including the accident date, the injuries sustained, the likely value and whether liability is disputed. Take advice if you are unsure which procedure applies.
Uninsured or untraced drivers
A claim may still be possible where the responsible driver was uninsured or cannot be traced. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau operates schemes for qualifying claims involving uninsured, untraced and certain foreign-registered vehicles. These schemes have their own requirements, so obtain advice promptly and report a hit-and-run incident to the police without delay.
Time limits
Personal injury claims are subject to limitation periods. In many cases, court proceedings must be commenced within three years of the accident or the legally relevant date of knowledge. Different rules can apply, including for children, people who lack litigation capacity and fatal accident claims. A court has limited discretion in some circumstances, but it is unsafe to rely upon this. See section 11 of the Limitation Act 1980.
How Qazi & Co Solicitors may assist
A solicitor can assess liability, identify the appropriate claims process, obtain relevant evidence, consider the value of the claim and communicate with insurers or other parties. We will explain the available funding arrangements and any potential costs or deductions in writing before you decide whether to instruct us. Acceptance of a matter is subject to an assessment of its facts and merits.
To discuss a road traffic injury, 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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