Not stopping at the scene of an accident, if you think the accident has caused injury or damage to property is against the law. Ensure that you do all that you can to make the scene safe. Everyone should switch off their engines, turn on hazard lights and make sure oncoming traffic is warned of the accident scene. Dial 999 if someone is injured, or if anyone leaves the scene without giving their details. If you believe that the accident scene may be a hazard to other drivers, call 999.
Do not take the blame even if you think the cause of the accident is clear. Draw a sketch of how the accident happened whilst you are still at the scene. Note down vehicle locations and the direction they were travelling in, skid marks, street names, collision points and any damage. Back this up with lots of photos, a mobile phone camera is usually OK for this.
By law, all drivers involved in the accident must exchange contact details with each other. These details include names, addresses, phone numbers and insurance details. Get the names and addresses of any witnesses, including passengers in the other vehicles involved.
Include any other details you think may be of relevance e.g. if you think the driver of the other vehicle was intoxicated or that they were using a mobile phone note this down. If weather conditions may have contributed to the accident, e.g. rain or fog, note this fact down too. Damage to the road surface, such as potholes or parked cars may have contributed as well, so note this on your sketch too.
If you run into a farm animal or dog you must report that to the police as soon as possible. If it is a wild animal or cat that you hit you do not have to report it, however if the animal is injured or suffering you must report it to ensure that the animal is taken care of.
You must notify your insurance company immediately of any collision you are involved in, regardless of whether a claim will be necessary. Send your insurer all the notes of the incident you took from the scene.
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