What to do at the scene of a car accident
The short answerAt the scene of a car accident, you must stop, make the area safe, and exchange names, addresses and registration numbers with anyone who reasonably asks. Then photograph the scene, take witness details, and report it to the police within 24 hours if you couldn't swap details.
This guide takes you through each step in order, explains what the law requires, and covers what to do once you're home.
Last reviewed October 2026
Do you have to stop after a car accident?
Yes. If you're involved in a collision that causes damage or injury to another person, vehicle, animal or property, the law says you must stop. That duty comes from the Road Traffic Act 1988 and is set out in rule 286 of the Highway Code. It applies to every driver involved, whoever was at fault.
Driving off without stopping, or without giving your details, is a criminal offence.
Step by step: what to do at the scene
Make it safe
Switch on your hazard lights and turn off the engine. If your car can be moved safely, move it out of the traffic. If not, get yourself and your passengers off the road and, on a motorway, behind the barrier.
Check for injuries
If anyone is hurt, the road is blocked, or you think a driver is under the influence of drink or drugs, call 999.
Exchange details
Give and take names, addresses, phone numbers, vehicle registrations and insurance details. If the driver doesn't own the car, get the owner's name and address too.
Photograph everything
Both vehicles where they stopped, before they're moved if it's safe. The damage, close up and from a distance. The road layout, junction, signs, road markings and any skid marks.
Find witnesses
Ask anyone who saw the collision for a name and phone number. Passengers in either car can be witnesses too.
Save dashcam footage
Many dashcams record over older clips within hours. Save the file straight away and back it up.
Write it down
Note the time, the place, the weather and light, your speed and direction, and what the other vehicle did.
What details do you need to exchange?
The legal minimum
- Your name and address
- The vehicle owner's name and address, if that's someone else
- The registration number
In practice, also get
- The other driver's phone number
- Their insurer's name and, if possible, their policy number
- The make, model and colour of their vehicle
- Details of any passengers
If the other driver gives you details that later turn out to be wrong, tell the police.
When should you call the police?
If anyone is injured, the road is blocked or dangerous, or you suspect a crime such as drink-driving or no insurance.
If no one is hurt and details were exchanged, you don't usually need to involve the police.
If you couldn't exchange details at the scene, for example because the other driver drove off, report it as soon as reasonably possible and within 24 hours at the latest.
If someone was injured and a driver didn't produce their insurance certificate at the scene, the accident must also be reported to the police within 24 hours.
What should you avoid saying or doing?
Stay calm and check everyone is okay.
Don't argue about blame
Avoid getting drawn into an argument about who was to blame. That question is settled later, using the evidence, not at the roadside.
Don't agree a cash settlement
Avoid agreeing to a cash settlement on the spot. Damage that looks minor can hide costly repairs, and injuries such as whiplash often only show up the next day.
What if the other driver drives off or has no insurance?
Get whatever you can, and report it to the police straight away.
- Part of the registration
- Make, model & colour
- Direction they went
If the driver is uninsured or can't be traced, you may still be able to claim through the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB). The rules are stricter and the deadlines are shorter.
What to do once you're home
Tell your own insurer
Most policies require you to report any accident, even one that wasn't your fault. Reporting it isn't the same as claiming on your policy.
Get checked over
If anything feels sore or stiff, speak to your GP or NHS 111, and make sure your records say it happened in a car accident.
Keep every receipt
Taxi fares, recovery charges and other costs caused by the accident can often be recovered when it wasn't your fault.
Don't rush any decisions
If the other driver's insurer calls, take their details, but don't agree to anything until you understand your options.
How Back on the Road UK can help
If the accident wasn't your fault, Back on the Road UK can deal with the other driver's insurer for you, arrange your repairs, and help keep you on the road while your car is off it. If you were hurt, the solicitors at NJS Law can advise on an injury claim.
We'll tell you honestly where you stand, including if we think another route suits you better. Call us free on 0800 820 3860 or send us your details online.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to call the police after a minor car accident?
Not always. If no one is hurt and you've exchanged details, you usually don't need to. If you couldn't exchange details, you must report it within 24 hours.
Should I admit fault at the scene?
Avoid discussing blame at the scene. Be polite and check everyone is safe, then let the evidence settle who was responsible.
What if the other driver won't give me their details?
Note their registration, vehicle and description, and report it to the police as soon as possible, within 24 hours at the latest.
Do I need to tell my insurer if the accident wasn't my fault?
Usually, yes. Most policies require you to report every accident. Telling them is not the same as making a claim on your policy.
Back on the Road UK is a trading name of NJS Law Limited, registered in England and Wales, company number 15170704. NJS Law Limited is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, SRA number 8006550. This guide gives general information for England and Wales only and does not constitute legal advice.