If ever you are unlucky enough to be involved a traffic accident then you will be legally obliged to follow certain procedures.
If the accident causes damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property then you must:
1)
Stop and remain at the scene of the accident for a reasonable amount of time.
2) Provide your name address and registration details to any person who has reasonable grounds for asking for them. If the vehicle you were driving is is owned by another person then you must provide their details also.
3) If these details can't be given at the scene, then you must report the accident at a police station or to a police officer as soon as is practicable possible and within 24 hours.
4) If another person is injured you are obliged to produce your car insurance certificate at the scene of the accident to anyone who has reasonable grounds to view it. If you are unable to produce your car insurance certificate at the scene of the accident then you must take it to the police station you reported the accident to within seven days.
You must abide by these requirements even if you were not directly involved in the accident. Fail to do so and you will be committing two criminal offenses - failing to stop and failing to report. Sentencing guidelines state that if you are convicted of either you can face a fine of up to £5000, have five and to penalty points placed on your driving licence and be banned from driving.
Insurance Issues
In order to have a smooth insurance claim it is vital that you record as much detailed info as is possible. Insurance claims can be tricky, long winded affairs especially if no one takes overall responsibility for the accident. Remember your no claims bonus could be on the line. Take photos of the scene using your mobile phone or camera. If you do not have access to a camera then try and make a sketch of the scene.
It is important that you try and gather as much information as you can. If your able to take some photos of the accident then do so. If you can't then at least try and draw a sketch of the accident scene. You must also obtain:
1)
The name, address and telephone number of anyone else involved. If any vehicle is owned by someone not at the scene then get their details also.
2) The make, model and registration number of any vehicle involved.
3) Details of the other driver's insurance policy - insurance company, whether third party of fully comprehensive, expiry date.
4) The contact details of any witnesses.
5) Details of the weather and road conditions.
6) What the involved vehicles were doing as the accident happened.
Offering Assistance
If ever you find yourself at the scene of a road accident then follow the golden rule - never put yourself at unnecessary risk. However if you can safely offer assistance then this is what you should do.
1)
Switch on your hazard warning lights.
2) If possible place a warning triangle on the road at least 45 metres behind the scene of the accident.
3) If anyone requires medical attention then be certain that someone has called an ambulance. If no one has then make the call.
4) Remove any non injured people away from the scene.
5) Make sure all engines have been turned off.
6)
Make sure no one is smoking a cigarette.
First Aid - Golden Rules
1) You must only ever remove an injured person from a vehicle if it is absolutely necessary to do so.
2)
Only remove a motorcyclists helmet if it is essential to clear their airways.
3) Try and keep anyone who is injured as warm as you can.
4)
Offer reassurance to any injured person but don't give them anything to eat, drink or smoke.
5)
If a person is unconscious first check their breathing. Clear any obstruction to the airways and loosen tight clothing. If breathing doesn't restart give mouth to mouth resuscitation. To do this, lift the chin and tilt the head backwards. Pinch the persons nostrils and blow into the mouth until you see the chest rise. Repeat every four seconds until the person can breathe without assistance or until an ambulance arrives.
6) To stop heavy bleeding you should apply firm hand pressure over the open wound using some clean material.
7)
If a casualty has burns to the skin then douse the burns with cool liquid but do not remove anything sticking to the burns.
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