What to do after a car crash to protect compensation payouts at Christmas

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration and togetherness. However, with the festivities comes an increase in travel and, unfortunately, a higher likelihood of car accidents. In the event of a car crash, it is crucial to know the necessary steps to take. Moreover, are you entitled to car crash compensation payouts in the UK? 

Whether you are embarking on a road trip to visit loved ones or navigating busy city streets for that last-minute holiday shopping, it is crucial to be prepared for the unexpected. Understanding what to do after a car crash and exploring your eligibility for car crash compensation payouts is essential during this time.

In this crash course, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to take in the event of a car accident during your Christmas travels and the eligibility surrounding car crash compensation payouts in the UK!

What to do after a car crash?

In the unfortunate event, that you are involved in a car crash during your holiday travels, it’s critical to understand the key steps to take. These steps are designed by our Personal Injury team as a way to protect your insurance claim as well as any potential car crash compensation claims. 

1. Immediately check for injuries – Check for any injuries on you or your passengers. If anyone within your vehicle requires medical attention call for the emergency services.
2. Check the other vehicles passengers – Once you have confirmed your vehicles passengers are safe or emergency services are on their way, check for injuries in the other vehicle. Even if the accident was not your fault, everyone’s safety and health are a priority at this stage. 
3. Photos & Car Locations – After ensuring everyone’s medical safety has been evaluated, shift your attention to documenting the accident for insurance and compensation payout claims. Capture images of various aspects, emphasizing vehicle damage, the surrounding environment including buildings or trees for location specifics, road layout, road conditions, tyre marks and any minor injuries your passengers may have sustained, such as cuts and bruises. Following documentation, if feasible, relocate the vehicles to a safer spot, such as the side of the road. If this proves impractical, alert the police to manage traffic.
4. Exchange details – It’s now time to exchange details with the other driver. This includes exchanging names, contact details and insurance details. 

Are there any witnesses? – If anyone witnessed your accident then it is crucial to take their details for future reference. These witnesses can be critical providing that the accident was not your fault. 

Car Crash Compensation Pay-out Criteria’s

If you are involved in a car crash that was not your fault, then you may be eligible to claim car crash compensation pay-outs. However, to gain compensation you must meet certain factors to prove your entitlement to compensation. We would always recommend contacting a Personal Injury Solicitor if you believe you are entitled to compensation as the law is complex when securing compensation, therefore only use the below information as a general overview:

The eligibility to claim compensation often depends on factors such as:

• Fault of another party – If the car crash took place because of negligence or fault, such as another driver’s fault, you could have grounds for a compensation claim.
• Injuries or Damages – To pursue compensation, you need to have suffered injuries because of the car crash. The severity of the injuries and the effect on your day-to-day life can have an impact on the quantity of compensation you will be entitled to.
• Evidence – It’s critical to have evidence documenting your injuries and accident. This may consist of pictures of the accident, witness statements, medical statistics and every other documentation, which shows the extent of your accident and losses.
• Timely Reporting – Reporting the car crash promptly to the police and your insurance company is essential. Failure to report the incident promptly could affect your ability to claim compensation.

How to make a personal injury claim for compensation?

If you believe you are entitled to compensation for injuries that were not your fault, then you must bring a personal injury claim within 3 years of the accident taking place or from the date that you realised your injuries were a result of your accident. However, for children under the age of 18, they have 3 years from their 18th birthday to bring a claim. On the other hand, a suitable parent or guardian can bring a claim for a child if they are under the age of 18. 

If you believe you may have a personal injury claim due to a road traffic accident, then you should get legal advice as soon as possible. Contact our expert Doncaster Personal Injury Solicitors on 01302 341414 or our Sheffield solicitors on 0114 272 1884. Alternatively, you can leave an enquiry via our online enquiry form.