What to do after a road traffic accident?

A calm sequence of first steps, documenting the incident and preparing to report the claim.

Reading time: 1 min read
Updated:: 12 August 2026

The first few minutes after an accident determine the safety of everyone involved and how straightforward the later claim will be. The order is always the same: people, the scene, documentation.

Quick answer

First ensure the safety of everyone involved and mark the scene. Then check whether anyone is injured and call emergency services and the police if needed. Finally, document the damage and exchange details with the other party.

What you need to do

Stop and secure the scene
Switch on the hazard lights, put on a hi-vis vest and place a warning triangle before stepping onto the carriageway.
Check whether anyone is injured
If there is even a suspicion of injury, call emergency services immediately and do not move an injured person unless necessary.
Call the relevant authorities when needed
In the case of injuries, disputed circumstances or significant material damage, wait for the police to arrive and do not change the position of the vehicles beforehand.
Document the incident
Photograph the position of the vehicles, the damage, traffic signs and the wider scene from several angles.
Exchange details
Note the name, contact details, registration plates, policy and insurer details of the other party, and the details of any witnesses.
Report the claim
Report the claim to your insurer within the required deadline and enclose photographs, the report and the other party's details.

Prepare

Hi-vis vest and warning triangle
Photographs of the scene and the damage
The other party's and their insurer's details
Witness details
Police report number, if one was made

Common mistakes

Moving the vehicles before documenting them when the police need to attend.
A verbal agreement without a single photograph.
Delaying the claim report to the insurer.

Good to know

Also take photographs from further away — a wider view shows the position of the vehicles, signage and road conditions, which later makes resolving the case easier.

This text is general practical guidance and is not legal or medical advice. Verify conduct at the scene of an accident and reporting obligations with the competent police authority and your insurer.