select a section askcab your life your money resources

If you have an accident

Was it your fault? oops!

Had an accident? What do you do now? If you’ve been involved in a traffic accident you must stop, whether or not the accident was your fault, if:- anyone, except you is injured; or another vehicle, or someone else's property, is damaged; or an animal in another vehicle or running across the road is injured; or a bollard, street lamp or other item of street furniture is damaged. If you have to stop, you must:- stay at scene long enough so that anyone who needs to can ask for details, for example, the police or anyone involved in the accident; and give your name and address, the name and address of the owner of the vehicle (if its not yours) and the registration number of the vehicle. These details must be given to anyone who needs them like the police or people involved. You may also have to report the accident, in person, to the police, as soon as possible and in any case within 24 hours. This duty arises whenever the driver has not given her/his name and address at the scene of the accident, whether or not s/he was asked to do so. The duty to report an accident also includes situations where you not driving and for example, you parked the car and it rolls down a hill causing damage. If an injury is caused to another person, you must also produce a valid insurance certificate if asked by the police, or anyone else involved in the accident. If you haven’t got the certificate with you the accident must be reported to the police within 24 hours and the insurance certificate must be taken to a police station within seven days of the accident. If there were no injuries, you still have to give your insurance details to anyone who wants to make a claim against you. In all accidents you should inform your own insurance company. If someone else caused the accident you can claim from their insurance company. If the police prosecute them this would help your case. If they won’t give you their contact details,take their vehicle registration number and contact the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) in writing and tell them why you need the number. This costs £2.50 If they weren’t insured or you couldn’t get their details, and they were on a motorbike or in a car you may be able to claim for damages from the Motor Insurers Bureau, but only for personal injuries. Contact your local friendly AskCAB advisor. See: useful addresses