A former police detective shared insights from her recent experience in a head-on car collision, shedding light on the common occurrences of car accidents in the UK, which average over 900 daily. The incident involved a woman in her seventies who experienced a medical episode while driving, resulting in her vehicle swerving into the detective’s lane.
Following the collision, the detective recalled feeling disoriented and later being rescued from her car by bystanders. She was taken to a hospital but emerged with only minor injuries. The presence of witnesses was crucial in reconstructing the events of the accident.
From her experience, she outlined several key steps that should be taken immediately after an accident. Firstly, she emphasized the importance of being cautious with verbal statements at the scene. Apologies may be misconstrued as admissions of guilt.
Secondly, it is necessary to stop the vehicle, switch off the engine, and check for injuries among those involved. If possible, moving to a safer location and turning on hazard lights is advisable. In cases of injury or obstruction, calling emergency services (999) is critical.
Next, exchanging contact and insurance information with the other driver is essential, along with gathering statements from witnesses, which can be vital later. Informing one’s insurance company promptly—ideally within 24 hours—is also important.
Furthermore, she advised taking numerous photographs of the scene, including damage and environmental conditions, which can serve as documentation. Recording notes about the accident’s details, such as time, date, and vehicle specifics, can aid in memory retention.
Lastly, using a dashcam can provide substantial video evidence that may clarify disputes arising from the incident. This footage can be instrumental in addressing potential false claims or disputes with insurers.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5ypypy2jk2o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss