Take a look at our 10-point plan and discover what you’re legally required to do if you’re injured in a road traffic collision involving another road user and how to make the process of exchanging details and reporting information as straightforward as possible.
Please note that if anybody involved in the accident has suffered a severe injury, it must be your first consideration to seek medical attention.
How to handle a collision involving injury
1. Stay Calm and Be Polite
Staying calm will help you to control the situation and make it easier for the emergency services to listen to you.
2. Note the Location
Make a note of the precise location of the accident and, if possible, mark it.
3. Get Contact Details
You will need the names and addresses of any witnesses at the road traffic collision scene.
4. Report Injury Accidents to the Police
Any injury accident must be reported to the police as soon as possible and within 24 hours. You will also need to show your insurance documents to anybody who requires them within seven days. Remember to ensure you receive a log number from the police as you may need it later in the claim.
5. Get Driver and Keeper Details
As a legal requirement, the driver of the vehicle must always provide their own name and address as well as details of the registered vehicle keeper regardless of whether there is an injury. If you do not receive this within 24 hours, it becomes compulsory to report the incident to the police.
6. Note Number Plate and Driver
You should also note the number plates of the vehicles involved and identify the drivers.
7. Photograph the Location
Remember to take photographs (or make a sketch) of the collision scene, including details such as the road surface, and any skid marks or debris. You should also take images of the vehicles and bikes involved, as well as any injuries.
8. Keep Damaged Bike as is
Your bike is critical evidence for the case and compensation claim, so it’s crucial that you keep the bike in its damaged state and don’t send it for repair yet.
9. Other Party won’t Share Details
If the other party will not share their details and cooperate you should report the accident to the police.
10. Call Cycle SOS Helpline if you’re Injured
Finally, if you’re a cyclist that’s been injured in a road traffic collision, call our free Cycle SOS helpline on 0800 100 9995 to discuss the incident with our professional and experienced solicitors.
For more information about our services or to start your claim, call 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors. We’re here to help. You can email us or schedule a callback.