An expert has urged drivers to avoid doing simple things after getting involved in a car accident or it could cause further issues.
Research from Brake, the road safety charity, estimates that five people die every day on the road in the UK, with a further 82 people being seriously injured.
In 2022, 1,766 people were killed and almost 29,000 people were seriously injured on roads, as data shows incidents have rebounded after the pandemic.
With accidents a common part of motoring across the nation, experts are calling on drivers to act properly and coherently in the event that they get into an accident.
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Drivers should always take note of anything that has happened after an accident
GETTYThe first thing the experts advise is to carry recording equipment in their car in case they are involved in an accident or are witness to one.
This could be as simple as having their mobile phone or a notepad to take notes of the cars involved, the time of the accident, weather conditions and what occurred.
Motorists should always have their driving licence, insurance and registration whenever they are in the car, with orange cones or warning triangles also providing useful if an accident has taken place.
A spokesperson for personal injury lawyers John Foy and Associates said motorists involved in an incident should pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and check for injuries before calling the police.
They added: "Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to have this report as evidence. You can get a copy of the report from the local law enforcement later.
"Stick to the facts about the accident when speaking to law enforcement. It’s easy to feel upset or emotional when in a car accident but avoid admitting fault or apologising to the other driver.
"Speak to the other driver and exchange names, phone numbers, and insurance information. Try to stay calm and polite and avoid assigning blame or apologising."
If someone does assign blame or apologise, it may seem like an admission of guilt and could be used against them when it comes to settling compensation.
Drivers or passengers with serious injuries should go straight to the hospital, with experts urging people to make a note of any injuries they may have when they make a claim.
Regardless of who is at fault for the incident, all people involved should contact their insurance company to let them know about the accident with all the information that was collected.
The spokesperson added that if the two drivers share some blame for the accident, the amount of compensation they could receive will be impacted.
They added: "Being in a car accident is a traumatic experience, and it’s important to be prepared and know what steps to take in the event of an accident.
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One expert described being in a car accident as a 'traumatic experience'
GETTY"Documenting the scene, seeking medical attention, and understanding the claims process can significantly impact your ability to protect your legal rights and receive fair compensation.
“Ensuring you have the right tools and knowledge can make a considerable difference in the aftermath of an accident.”
