A car accident can happen without warning. In the moments that follow, it can be difficult to think clearly. As such, learning in advance what to do straight away following an accident can help protect your safety and might make a difference if you later need to make a claim for personal injury compensation.

Here, JMW Solicitors explains the first thing you must do if you have a collision while you’re driving your car, focusing on what the law expects in England and Wales and how your actions at the scene of a car accident can affect your recovery and any personal injury claim you may be entitled to make. Whether the collision feels minor or more serious, taking the right approach from the outset can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Stay Calm and Check for Injuries

The priority after a car accident is safety. Try to stay calm, switch off your engine and take a moment to assess what has happened. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries and, if anyone is injured, you should call for an ambulance. 

If you can do so safely, check on anyone else involved in the accident, including those outside your vehicle. Avoid moving people who may have sustained serious injuries unless there is an immediate danger, such as fire or oncoming traffic. Keeping everyone as safe and still as possible can reduce the risk of further harm.
It is common for people to feel shaken but believe they are uninjured at the scene. Adrenaline can mask pain, and symptoms such as spinal cord, back, or soft tissue injuries may not develop symptoms until hours or days later. Prompt medical attention creates a clear record of your injuries and can identify any hidden problems, which can be helpful if you later need to make a claim for personal injury compensation following a car accident.

Make the Scene Safe

Once you have checked for injuries, switch on your hazard lights and use a warning triangle if you have one and it is safe to place it. If someone has sustained a serious injury or the collision may need to be investigated by the police, leave everything where it is and wait for assistance. Avoid standing in the road or putting yourself at risk while trying to manage the scene. 

Try to keep the situation calm. Disagreements at the roadside rarely help and can make an already stressful situation worse.

Exchange Details with the Other Driver

You must remain at the scene of the incident after a car collision. The law requires drivers to stop and exchange details after a car accident where people are injured or items are damaged. This applies even if the collision appears minor.

You should obtain the following information from the other driver or person involved:

• Their name and address
• Contact details (such as phone number) of the other person involved
• The vehicle owner’s name, if different from the driver
• The vehicle’s registration number
• The make and model of the other vehicle
• Insurance details

Provide your own details in return. Keep the exchange factual and avoid discussing who was at fault. Admissions or apologies made at the scene can be misunderstood later and may affect your position if you decide to make a claim.

If the other driver refuses to give their details or leaves the scene, note as much information as you can and report the incident to the police as soon as possible. If you are unable to leave your details at the scene - for example, if you crashed into a piece of street furniture - you must report the incident to the police within 24 hours to meet your legal obligations.

Gather Evidence at the Scene if You Can

If it is safe to do so, gathering evidence at the scene can be helpful. This does not need to be complicated. Photographs taken on a phone can provide valuable context later, and taking pictures can help with assessing the cost of repairs and support your insurance claim.

Consider capturing images of:

• Damage to all vehicles involved
• Vehicle positions and road layout
• Road signs, markings, and traffic signals
• Weather and lighting conditions

You should also record the details of the accident while they are fresh in your mind, as this can help with repairs and insurance processes.

If there are witnesses, ask for their names and contact details. Independent accounts can support your version of events if liability is disputed. Avoid posting details of the car accident on social media, as comments or photos shared publicly can be misinterpreted.

Seek Medical Attention as Soon as Possible

A medical assessment is an important step after a collision, even if you feel able to continue your day. Some injuries take time to present symptoms. Head injuries, soft tissue injuries, and joint pain are common examples.

Seeing a GP, attending A&E, or visiting a walk-in centre creates a medical record linked to the accident. This record plays a role in both your recovery and any personal injury compensation claim. It also allows healthcare professionals to monitor symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.

Delaying medical attention can make it harder to link injuries to the car accident later on.

What Not to Do After a Car Accident

Knowing what not to do after a car accident can be just as helpful as knowing the right steps to take. Avoid:

• Apologising or admitting fault at the scene
• Delaying medical treatment when symptoms appear
• Accepting early settlement offers without advice
• Failing to record details or evidence

These actions can affect your ability to make a claim and may limit the compensation available to you. Taking a measured approach helps protect your position.

Many of these steps are covered in the driving theory test, which highlights the importance of understanding correct procedures and legal requirements for all drivers.

When Should You Speak to a Personal Injury Solicitor?

If you have been injured in a car accident, it can help to take legal advice once immediate safety concerns have been addressed. 

Speaking to the expert personal injury solicitors at JMW allows you to understand what compensation may be available and they will help you make a claim for this compensation. This can include access to treatment, rehabilitation, and guidance on dealing with insurers. Early advice also helps protect your position while the evidence is still fresh.
At JMW, we regularly advise people injured in road traffic accidents across England and Wales. Our focus is on helping you move forward, with clear advice and practical steps based on your individual circumstances.