CRASH Services reveal 5 things you should do if you have been in a road traffic accident
CRASH Services are once again delighted to be a corporate partner of New Driver Safety Ambassadors.
Jonathan McKeown, CEO at CRASH Services said “We are delighted to be able to support New Driver Safety Ambassadors. As an accident management company, we feel there is real importance to educating young people on the importance of safe motoring as they progress into driving for the first time. The advice and support that New Driver NI provide is excellent in nurturing their journey from getting started, right through to tips and advice for their vehicles, scenarios and weather conditions.”
About CRASH Services
CRASH Services is Northern Ireland’s largest accident management company, dealing with thousands of motorists each year after they have been involved in an accident. CRASH take away all the hassle involved and can take care of everything, aiming to get you back on the road as quickly as possible. They can arrange vehicle recovery, collision investigation, organise repairs, provide a replacement vehicle, liaise with insurance companies and offer legal and medical assistance.
There is no fee for the accident management service as all costs are recovered from insurers involved. Whilst you can be reassured that you will be kept informed of all your entitlements.
CRASH can assist any motorist, no matter what you drive or whoever you are insured with.
What should you do if you are involved in an accident?
Regardless of fault, being involved in an accident can be traumatic. It can leave you feeling anxious, emotional, and frightened.
Here are 5 things you should do if you have been in a road traffic accident:
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Contact the police on 999 or the non-emergency number, 101.
After a collision, your adrenaline is pumping, and you might not be able to think clearly.
If there are any injuries, call for an ambulance.
Regardless of whether the collision was a significant smash or a minor scratch, call the police immediately.
This will ensure there is an accident report created by the police; you might need this later for your insurance company or the other driver’s insurer.
Contrary to popular belief, it is not the police’s job to investigate collisions on behalf of insurance companies.
Their central role is to protect the scene from subsequent collisions and ensure treatment of injured drivers.
And because accidents sometimes result in traffic jams and diversions, the police will want to ensure the free flow of traffic as quickly as possible.
Their other central role is to investigate the collision to determine the cause of the accident and whether any criminal offences have been committed.
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Get to safety.
Your safety is paramount.
If you are involved in an accident on a motorway, go to a safe location off the hard shoulder until help arrives.
Do not wait in your car with the hazard lights on as oncoming vehicles may not be able to see you and your vehicle correctly if your lights are damaged in the collision.
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Check on the other driver and take pictures from the scene.
After calling the police and getting to a safe place off the road, check on the other driver.
If necessary, help them get to a safe place off-road.
Do not engage in the blame game about who was at fault for the collision; let the police or insurance companies determine fault.
If you have a smartphone, take pictures of both cars, damage etc. as this might come in handy at a later date.
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Exchange contact details.
If you have a pen and paper with you, write down details about the other driver. Or write it down on your phone either by drafting a text message or saving the details in your notes.
This should include their full name, driving licence number, phone number, address, car make and model, the colour of the car, registration plate and apparent damage.
Also, include in your notes your recollection of the collision: where it happened, what direction you were travelling, your estimated speed, weather conditions and anything else you think might be relevant to the crash.
You might also find our blog 10 steps you should take after being involved in an accident more useful and detailed. As well as 5 things you should NEVER do after an accident.
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Contact CRASH Services
CRASH Services take care of everything at no cost to you. They deal with your accident from start to finish and even offer legal and medical assistance. CRASH’s mission is ‘to act with care for those involved in road traffic incidents and the team of claims specialists help get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
If you’ve been in an accident, CRASH Services can take care of everything at no cost to you. Please speak to one of our specialists from our claims team today. Or call us now on 028 9066 0244.
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