With shock settling in, it is easy for the simplest things to slip your mind after a car accident. However, it is vital that you gather as much information as possible, to enable you to make a successful claim.
To ensure you stay on track, claims management company Vision have provided a simple checklist template for you to follow after a road accident.
This will assist you with any future claim and help you secure the best possible outcome. Vision advise drivers to carry a pen and disposable camera, however nowadays a Smartphone is just as capable for helping you accurately record the accident details.
Surroundings
- Time, date and location
- Whether other drivers were using headlights and/or indicator lights (if required)
- The weather, visibility and lighting conditions, including street lighting
- Identify the damage and injuries to each vehicle and individual involved (descriptions & photo’s)
- If you have a camera, take some photographs of the accident scene
Vehicle details
- Make
- Model
- Registration number
- Color
- Any modifications
- Number of passengers in each vehicle
Contact details
- Insurance details for the driver of the other vehicle
- Names of individuals
- Addresses
- Telephone numbers (inc. drivers, passengers and pedestrians if involved)
- Employer details (if the other parties are in a company vehicle or using the vehicle in line with their current employment)
- Details of any witnesses
Other useful information
- A full description of what happened
- Estimated speed of the vehicles involved
- The type of road
- Any obstructions (animal, road works etc.)
Remember
It’s an offence to refuse to give details to the other driver following a car accident, if there has been injury or property damage.
If a driver refuses to provide their details, refrain from escalating a heated confrontation – simply call the police and make sure their number plate is noted.