Car Ownership
Don't Panic: What to Do in a Car Crash
Most drivers never prepare for a crash until they're in one. Knowing exactly what to do in the first few minutes makes every step that follows easier — and protects you legally and financially.
Lefteris (Leebo)
Vehicle Enthusiast, BuyCarCheck · 19 May 2026 · 5 min read
Don't let adrenaline make decisions for you
The seconds after a crash are disorienting. Most people either freeze or rush out of the car without a plan. Both make things worse. What you need to do is a short list — and knowing it in advance means you can act clearly even when your body is telling you not to.
Around 1,695 people were killed on UK roads in 2023 and a further 29,484 seriously injured. The actions taken in the first few minutes can change outcomes — for you, your passengers, and everyone else involved.
Steps 1–3: Immediate response
Stop — it is the law
Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, you must stop at any accident involving injury, another vehicle, a pedestrian, an animal, or property. Leaving the scene carries up to 6 months in prison and 5–10 penalty points — the same bracket as drink-driving.
Check for injuries
Check yourself first — adrenaline can mask serious injury. Then check passengers, then anyone in other vehicles. If anyone is hurt or you are unsure, call 999 immediately. Do not move an injured person unless there is immediate danger such as fire or live traffic.
Make the scene safe
Switch on hazard lights before you exit the car. If the vehicle is driveable and safe to move, get it off the carriageway. On a motorway, get everyone over the barrier. The roadside emergency phone pinpoints your exact location automatically.
What not to do
- Don't apologise. Saying 'I'm sorry' can be used as an admission of liability. Report facts only.
- Don't accept cash. You don't know the full damage yet. Injuries can emerge hours later. Always go through insurance.
- Don't sign anything. You are not required to sign any roadside document. Walk away from anyone who insists.
- Don't post on social media. Anything published publicly can be used in legal proceedings. Wait until any claim is resolved.
- Don't assume you're unhurt. Whiplash and concussion can appear hours after impact with no immediate symptoms. See a GP.
When to report to the police
If you could not exchange details at the scene — because the other driver fled, you hit a parked car with no owner present, or you were incapacitated — you must attend a police station within 24 hours. If anyone was injured, produce your insurance certificate within 7 days.
If details were exchanged and no one was injured, a police report is not required. Call 101 (not 999) if you want the incident logged for insurance purposes.
Steps 4–6: Documentation & follow-up
Exchange details — legally required
Give and get: full name, home address, and vehicle registration. Insurance details are required if anyone is injured. If the other driver refuses or flees, note their plate and report to police within 24 hours.
Photograph and document
Photograph all vehicles from all sides, the damage up close, skid marks, road signs, and the other driver's plate. Note the time, location, and weather. Ask witnesses for contact details. Do not overwrite dashcam footage.
Notify your insurer
Most policies require notification of any accident even without a claim. Report facts only — do not speculate or admit fault. Ask for the incident to be logged as "notification only" if no claim is being made.
In the days after
The crash itself is one event. The aftermath can run for weeks. Keep records of all correspondence with insurers, any medical visits, and receipts for repairs or hire cars.
Book a GP appointment even if you feel fine — a timestamped record is invaluable if symptoms emerge later. Whiplash and soft tissue injuries routinely appear 24–72 hours after impact. Do not dismiss them.
If the other driver was at fault you are entitled to a like-for-like courtesy car while yours is repaired. Your insurer can arrange this — you do not need to fund it upfront. Keep receipts for any out-of-pocket costs as these are recoverable.
Anxiety and driving avoidance after a crash are more common than most people admit. If you feel distressed behind the wheel, speak to your GP. A short course of CBT is effective and available on the NHS.
UK emergency contacts
Emergency services
999
Injury, fire, road blocked
Non-emergency police
101
Damage only, no injury
National Highways
0300 123 5000
Motorway incidents
Accident helpline
0800 376 0150
Legal and injury advice
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