Being crashed into by another driver can have serious, life-altering consequences. Even in relatively minor road traffic collisions (RTCs), the physical and emotional impact on victims can be significant, often leading to long-term pain, suffering, and financial challenges. Sadly, such incidents are all too common on our roads, and in the most severe cases, they can result in fatalities.

Our team of experienced personal injury solicitors specialise in handling road traffic injury claims, guiding clients through the often complicated legal process to secure the compensation they deserve. We understand the stress and confusion that follows being involved in a RTC caused by someone else’s negligence, and we are here to provide the support and expertise you need.

This Road Safety Week, we are discussing what you should do when someone crashes into you. There are several important steps to remember to ensure your safety and also to ensure you are able to make a successful claim for your injuries.

Types of road traffic collisions

Road traffic collisions and incidents can be a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. If you’ve been injured in a road incident or collision, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation. Some common types of collision claims include:

Rear-End Collisions: These occur when one vehicle crashes into the back of another. This type of accident often happens in heavy traffic, at traffic lights, or due to sudden braking. Common causes include tailgating, distracted driving, or poor weather conditions.

Head-On Collisions: One of the most severe types, where the front ends of two vehicles collide. These collisions usually occur when a driver crosses into oncoming traffic or loses control of their vehicle. They often result in severe injuries or fatalities.

Side-Impact Collisions (T-Bone): These happen when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another, forming a “T” shape. They frequently occur at junctions when one driver fails to stop or yield. Side-impact collisions can cause serious injuries, especially to passengers on the impacted side.

Multi-vehicle collisions (Pile-Ups): Involve three or more vehicles and are common on motorways or during heavy traffic. These incidents often start with a single collision and quickly involve multiple vehicles due to close proximity and high speeds.

Hit-and-Run: These are incidents where one of the drivers involved flees the scene without stopping to exchange details or check for injuries.

Pedestrian and Cyclist incidents: Collisions involving vehicles and vulnerable road users like pedestrians or cyclists. These are particularly dangerous due to the lack of protection for pedestrians and cyclists.

What should you do when someone crashes into you?

Being involved in a car crash can be a frightening experience, but knowing what steps to take afterwards can protect your rights and help you make a successful claim if needed.

If another driver crashes into you, immediately check for any injuries to yourself and any passengers and if you are able to do so, the other driver involved. If anyone is hurt, call 999 to request emergency services. If it is safe to do so, you can also turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers and prevent further collisions.

You should then report the crash to the police. As outlined in the Road Traffic Act 1988, you are legally required to report to the police within 24 hours if people are injured, details have not been exchanged or you suspect a driving offence was committed.

After you have called the police, you should exchange details at the scene with the other drivers involved. You should make sure to gather their name, address, phone number, car details including registration and insurance details.

If you are able, you should make a note of the time and date the collision occurred, the vehicles involved, and the contact details of any witnesses who saw what happened and would be able to strengthen your claim.

Additionally, if you or any of the other parties have a dash cam, save the footage as it can serve as vital evidence.

Take photos or videos of the scene, making sure to capture the damage to all vehicles involved, as well as any road conditions or signs that might be relevant. This can be significant evidence for your insurance claim.

Once you’ve gathered this information, get in touch with your insurance company as soon as possible. Share everything you’ve collected, including dash cam footage, photos, and the contact details of any witnesses.

What if you have been in a collision with an uninsured driver?

If you’ve been involved in a road traffic collision with an uninsured driver, it can be very frustrating. However, you may still be able to claim compensation through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), which handles claims for incidents involving uninsured or untraced drivers.

How Major Trauma Group can help with road traffic injury claims

Major Trauma Group maintains a network of solicitor members throughout the UK who are specialists in assisting victims with serious and life changing road traffic injury claims following an RTC. 

If you have been involved in a road traffic collision, and suffered serious or life changing injuries, and would like a free, no obligation chat with a specialist serious injury solicitor, contact us via telephone at 0330 311 2578 or email hello@majortraumagroup.co.uk.