What to do if you have a Car Accident

Vehicle collisions are a well-recognised risk associated with driving. Most people know someone who has been involved in an accident or crash, while some have even experienced it themselves.

Here at Liberty, we’re here to help. In this blog, we're going to tell you what to do after a car accident because you'll probably go into shock as an accident is always unexpected, by their very nature, and you will need some clear, straight advice to help you out. These pointers are, naturally, only relevant if this is a minor accident and there are no injuries. If it looks more serious, call the emergency services immediately and follow their instructions carefully.

What do I do after a car accident?

Stop the Vehicle After Impact

Immediately after an accident, you must bring the car to a complete stop. If it is a serious accident, do not move the car. However, if a minor accident has occurred in an area that's extremely dangerous or where it's obstructing traffic, move the car only so far that it's in a safer location.

Turn Off the Ignition

Never leave a car running after an accident. Once the vehicle has come to a stop, turn off the ignition. Leaving a car running can be a safety hazard, especially if it's a serious crash and there's a risk of fire. Remember to turn on the hazard lights.

Leaving the scene of an accident is a criminal offence.

Breathe

You have been in an accident and are in, or are going into, shock. So, breathe. People are often overcome with adrenaline that may make them feel excessive fear, nervousness, or defensiveness. If your car was hit by another vehicle, you may feel very angry or frustrated, so try to regain your calm and before stepping out of the car, stop a moment and take several deep breaths.

Leave the Car and Mark the Scene

Make sure it’s safe to step out of the car before doing so. If the vehicles are in or near high traffic, look for oncoming vehicles. Put out your warning triangle (usually in the boot of the car or with the tyre-changing tools) and any cones or reflective markers to make the accident area more visible to other vehicles. This is particularly important if the crash happens at night or during fog, rain, or at any time that visibility may be low.

Check for Injuries

Check yourself and your passengers for injuries. Is anyone unconscious or showing signs of a physical injury? Ask if anyone is injured or feels unwell. A person should not, however, attempt to administer first aid to anyone without first gaining the consent of the injured person. If possible, do not move or attempt to treat severe injuries until medical personnel arrives.

Call 999

Call 999 or 112 in the event of injuries to ensure that medical services will get there as quickly as possible. The Gardai will also need to be contacted and informed of the accident. This is also an important step if you're wondering where to report an accident.

Collect Names

Collect the names of everyone who may have witnessed the accident. This includes passengers in either vehicle. If it is a multi-vehicle car accidentget information for each vehicle, including names and contact information, such as phone numbers and email addresses.

Contact Liberty Insurance as soon as you can, and we’ll help you get through this. You can get in touch with us here.

Exchange Insurance and Driver’s License Information

Both parties will need to exchange car insurance information. The policy number and the name of the insurance company should be written down or, again, take a photo of the disc in the car windscreen. As with the driver's license, it should be confirmed that the information is accurate and up-to-date. Also, write down license plate numbers, make, and model of the cars.

Take Pictures and Notes

Make notes about the accident scene or, ideally, use your phone to take pictures. Photos, notes, or both should be taken of any damage to all the cars involved, the direction that the cars are facing, skid marks, and debris from the accident. Street lights and signs should also be photographed, as should any injuries obtained during the accident.

Wait for the Gardai

Wait for the Gardai to arrive at the scene of the accident. They will need to talk with all parties to write out an accident report and the information contained in the report may be necessary to file your claim. Do not attempt to leave the accident scene until the Gardai have finished.

Contact the Insurance Company

Contact your insurance provider and let them know that there has been a car accident and file your motor claim if you're making one. Provide the insurance company with the information gathered at the accident, such as the name of the other driver's insurance provider, the damages sustained, and the type of vehicle involved in the accident.

If you're unable to immediately contact them, do it as soon as possible. If you’re wondering if an accident affects insurance, don’t worry. We will explain all the terms and conditions when you notify an accident to us. A lot depends on your car insurance policy features and benefits, the accident itself, and who was at fault.