Even if you're lucky enough to walk away from an accident with few, if any, apparent injuries, you'll still suffer from shock and stress. Often, the trauma of the event can prevent the clear thinking needed to record the details of the accident, which may be required later to support insurance and compensation claims. Here is a list of easy-to-remember pointers that will help you if disaster strikes.
Record as much information as you can at the scene of your accident.
Take the contact details of any witnesses to your accident.
If you have fallen, take photographs of the defect, which caused you to fall. Use a ruler to show the height / depth of the defect.
If the police attend the scene, make sure you take the attending officer's details.
In the event of a crime, you might like to contact Victim Support, the national charity for victims of crime. The Victim Supportline number is 0845 30 30 900.
Make a note of any incident or reference number.
Were you injured in a commercial property? If so you will need to find out if they have an accident book.
Make sure your accident is recorded.
Make a note of the insurance details for the other parties involved in the accident.
Seek medical attention and treatment either at hospital or from your local GP as soon as possible following an accident.
Important: trauma can mask the pain of some injuries, such as whiplash - make sure you are properly examined even if you feel OK.
Keep a full record of any expenses you incur as a result of your accident.
Always tell the truth. Do not exaggerate your injuries or the seriousness of your accident.