Car accidents, no matter how minor, can be traumatic experiences. Immediately following the accident, there are a number of things you should keep in mind:

• Ensure the safety of yourself and any people in the vicinity
• Contact emergency services if necessary
• Exchange contact details with any other parties involved in the incident, or with any witnesses who attended
• Write down your own notes on what happened
• Keep a record of the report number if the accident is attended by or registered with the police.

The other important thing to do after an accident takes photographs. If the accident is serious and the police are involved, they will generally gather the necessary evidence. Even if they do, consider getting some images for your own records, ensuring to capture the road, surrounding environment, and any signage that might be relevant when proving who was at fault.

Following any sort of accident, it’s essential you get assessed by a medical professional. Even if you feel fine, you may have pain that is being dulled by the adrenaline of the situation. It’s also possible for injuries like whiplash to present in the days or weeks following an accident, and a doctor can tell you what to look out for in case symptoms develop over time. Keep records of all appointments with medical practitioners.

When should I see a lawyer?

If you’re considering making a claim for the accident you were involved in, it can be useful to seek a help from a qualified legal professional. It’s important to note that if you want to make a claim, once you speak to a legal professional, a one (1) month time limit comes into effect to send a claim to the relevant insurer.

When speaking to a legal professional, you will likely be asked some standard questions about the cause of your accident, who might potentially be at fault, the extent of your injury contributory conduct, your employment status and your medical history.

From there, another meeting may be arranged, which is when you can expect to complete the claim notice. Your lawyer should also answer any questions you have about the claim process, and explain how compensation is calculated and take you through examples of what the compensation outcome could be for you.

Some cases may be eligible for a no-win, no-fee arrangement. Your lawyer should let you know if you’re eligible for a no-win, no-fee car accident claim.