10 tips to follow after a car accident

Most road-users are involved in accidents at some time or another, and it is worth noting what to do if it happens to you. Whether you are driving in the UK or in a hire car on holiday, it is worth remembering the following:

1. Accident pack
Always keep an accident pack in the car. Make sure you always have a pen and paper handy for any notes and insurance details you may need to take, and keep a disposable camera in the car for photos of the accident scene, which can help with any future insurance claim.
2. Always stop
Always stop at the scene of an accident. It is law that you stop if you hit a domestic animal or a person.
3. Make the accident scene safe
Make the accident scene safe by turning off your engine, turning on your hazard lights and alerting oncoming traffic to the accident.
4. Emergency Services
If anyone is injured, or the road is blocked, call 999 in the UK and call out the emergency services. If you happen to be travelling by hire car in a different country, get the number of their emergency services before starting out on any journey.
5. Stay calm
Whoever is at fault, try to stay as calm as possible. Shouting and screaming will only make matters worse.
6. Witness information
Note down the names and full details of any witnesses to the accident, including passengers where possible. Car registration numbers, location, and photos can all come in useful, particularly if you will be making an insurance claim.
7. Driver details
Exchange details with the other driver involved, including, name, address, vehicle registration and his insurance company.
8. Draw the scene
Make sketches, take notes and even videos of the scene where possible. Include street names and direction of travel in your notes as the person dealing with your claim may not be local and may not know the area.
9. Additional notes
Make a note of additional information which may be useful, including factors which may have helped cause the accident. These can include weather, the amount of traffic, the speed of traffic, what the other driver was doing at the time of the accident, etc., If the other driver was using his mobile phone, this can prove particularly relevant if you are pursuing an insurance claim so note it down.
10. Contact your insurance company
Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to let them know about the accident, even if you do not intend to make a claim. Check your insurance policy to see if you are entitled to a hire car if your car is damaged. You may be entitled to more help and assistance than you are aware of from your insurance company, so check the small print.

Common factors of car accidents on Britain´s roads include:

1. Human error or an error of judgement by the driver accounts for over 90% of all car accidents.

2. Road maintenance and road works account for nearly 8% of car accidents in the UK.

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Adrian vultur writes for road traffic accidents compensation claims
By: Vultur Adrian
Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com