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No matter how good your driving is, accidents do happen and can be a very stressful experience. Below are a few hints and tips on what you should do at the scene of an accident.

• Stop at the scene of the incident. If you think that there are injuries or damage to someone else's property (including vehicles) it is an offence not to stop. If you hit a dog or farm animal you are required by law to report the incident to the police. If you hit a cat or wild animal there is no obligation to contact the police but you must ensure that the animal is not injured or suffering.
• Ensure the scene and everyone involved is safe. Switch off all engines, turn on hazard warning lights and alert oncoming traffic about the incident.
• It can be useful to keep an accident pack in your vehicle. This should contain a notebook, pen or pencil and a disposable camera (just in case you do not have a camera on your mobile phone).
• Exchange names, addresses, telephone numbers and insurance details with all other parties involved. Also write down a description of the other driver and vehicle (i.e. registration number and make and model of vehicle)
• Look for anyone who may have witnessed the accident and take their details. Evidence from an independant person can be the most useful evidence in determining who is at fault.
• Make a sketch of the accident scene, noting the road names in addition to taking photos.
• Try to make a note of how many passengers were in each vehicle. If an injury claim is made later, insurers need to be sure that the person claiming was involved.
• If there was property damage caused as a result of the incident (i.e. lampposts, garden walls & fences etc) take a note of the amount of damage. Only damage caused by the incident should be claimed for.
• Report the incident to us or your insurer at the earliest opportunity.