The moments after a road accident are disorienting. You may be shaken, in pain, or simply unsure what to do. What you do — and don't do — in the first twenty-four hours can significantly affect your ability to make a successful compensation claim later.

At the Scene

  1. Check for injuries and call 999 if anyone is hurt or if the road is blocked.
  2. Do not admit fault — even saying "I'm sorry" can be used as an admission of liability. Stick to factual statements only.
  3. Exchange details: name, address, vehicle registration, insurance company and policy number from every driver involved.
  4. Photograph everything: vehicle positions, damage, road markings, traffic signs, skid marks, weather conditions, and any visible injuries.
  5. Take witness details. Independent witnesses can be crucial — get names and phone numbers before they leave the scene.
  6. Note the exact time and location. Screenshot a map if needed.

Your Dashcam Footage

If you have a dashcam, preserve the footage immediately. Most dashcams overwrite old recordings automatically — copy the relevant files to a USB drive or computer before the device records over them. Do not share the footage with any insurer before speaking to a solicitor.

Within 24 Hours

  1. Report to police if required. Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, you must report an accident resulting in injury to a police station within 24 hours if you did not exchange details at the scene.
  2. Notify your insurer. Most policies require prompt notification. You can report the accident without admitting fault.
  3. Seek medical attention — even for seemingly minor injuries. A medical record created close to the date of the accident is one of the most important pieces of evidence in a personal injury claim.
  4. Keep a record of all expenses related to the accident: taxis, prescription costs, physiotherapy, lost income.

The Three-Year Limitation

You have three years from the date of the accident to begin a claim. In England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland the three-year limit broadly applies, though each jurisdiction uses different legislation. The Limitation Act 1980 covers England and Wales; Scotland operates under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. The procedural rules differ, so if you were in an accident outside England and Wales, speak to a specialist in your jurisdiction. This deadline is strict — missing it almost always means losing your right to claim entirely.