Emergency guide

What to Do After a Car Accident

Step-by-step guide to protect yourself, document the scene, and start your claim the right way.

If anyone is hurt

In immediate danger?

Call 999 immediately if anyone is seriously injured. Your safety is the priority — everything else can wait.

The procedure

The 6 essential steps

Check Safety & Call Emergency

If anyone is injured, call 999 immediately. Move vehicles to safety if possible. Turn on hazard lights. Check all passengers and occupants.

Switch off engines

Call 999 for serious injuries

Move to safety away from traffic

Turn on hazard lights

Do NOT move vehicles unless safe

Call the Police

Report the accident to police. For serious accidents or hit-and-run, call 999. For minor accidents, call 101 (non-emergency).

Get the crime reference number

Provide accurate location details

Request an incident report copy

Note the attending officer's name

Keep the reference number safe

Document Everything

Take detailed photos and videos of damage, accident scene, road conditions, traffic signs, and weather. This evidence is crucial for claims.

Photograph all vehicle damage from multiple angles

Take wide shots of the accident scene

Record road conditions and traffic signals

Get video of witness statements if possible

Note the date, time, and location

Gather Details

Collect contact information from the other driver, witnesses, and any relevant parties. Document their insurance details.

Get other driver's name, address, phone

Record their vehicle registration plate

Note their insurance company and policy number

Get witness names, addresses, and numbers

Ask for third-party vehicle details if hit

Contact Your Insurer

Notify your insurance company within 48 hours. Inform them you may not be at fault. Do NOT admit fault to anyone.

Call within 48 hours (requirement)

Provide factual information only

Do NOT admit fault or apologise

Get a reference number from your insurer

Keep all documentation they request

Contact Easy Car Claims

Call our 24/7 claims line. We'll take over liability management, arrange replacement vehicles, and handle repairs.

Call 0208 090 8872 anytime

Average answer time: 2 minutes

Vehicle delivered within 24 hours

Dedicated claims handler assigned within 24 hours

Direct updates by phone and email at every stage

Avoid these

Important don'ts

Don't Admit Fault

Never apologise or accept responsibility at the scene

Don't Accept Cash Settlements

Always go through insurers to protect your legal rights

Don't Ignore Injuries

Some injuries appear days later. Get medical checks even if you feel fine

Don't Ignore Deadlines

Notify insurers within 48 hours

Don't Delete Photos/Videos

Keep all evidence secure and cloud-backed up

Don't Delay Repairs

Start repairs quickly with a trusted provider like our in-house bodyshop

Accident Scene Checklist

Check for injuries. Call 999 if needed.Move to safety. Turn on hazard lights.Call police (999 or 101). Get reference number.Take detailed photos/videos from all angles.Get other driver's details and registration.Get witness names, addresses, and phone numbers.Call your insurer within 48 hours.Contact Easy Car Claims: 0208 090 8872

24/7 claims line

Need help right now?

Don't wait. Our claims specialists are available 24/7. We'll handle everything from here.

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