Getting the right information at the scene of an accident will assist you enormously in establishing liability and recovering your losses. Photographic evidence is the best!
Always keep a camera in the vehicle - whether digital, disposable or on a mobile phone. Take as many photos as possible but safely and discretely, preferably from inside your vehicle. NEVER take risks when taking photos.
Take care to photograph the other driver's vehicle registration number and the position of damage on BOTH vehicles.
It is often helpful to photograph yourself and any passengers at the scene of the accident to establish that you were there.
Try to photograph the vehicles in the position where they ended up after the impact.
Photograph any skid mark or debris lying in the road. Use a tape measure, if you have one, for marking the length of skid marks if safe to do so.
If the police are called, take a photograph of the registration number of the police car. This may assist them tracing their accident record. Also note down the name and number of the police officer attending and the station to which he or she is attached.
Take a photograph of the surrounding area including the road layout, any street names or identifying landmarks (pubs, garages etc).
Take photos of trees and foliage if the accident occurred in daytime or of street lighting if at night.
ALWAYS get the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses prepared to help even if the other driver has verbally admitted liability or the circumstances appear straightforward.
Wherever possible get the full name, address and telephone number of the other driver.
Draw a sketch plan of the location as soon after the accident as you can whilst it is still fresh in your mind.
If you have an accident with a foreign driver, he or she may ask you to sign a CONSTAT AMIABLE or Agreed Statement of Facts. Be very careful what you sign and if it is written in a language you don't understand, don't sign it! You are not obliged to under UK law but you may be if your accident occurs abroad.
For more tips about road use, see the
Road Users Club at Ecademy
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Taking photos at the scene of an accident
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