It’s not something we like to think about, but car accidents happen – and it’s important you know what to do if you’re caught up in a car crash in Northern Ireland. Here is some steps you should take to stop a bad situation becoming worse.

1. Immediately after a car accident

Call the police if there are injuries or the road is blocked, call 999. If the accident is minor, police may not attend but you should report the accident by calling call Northern Ireland's non emergency phone number on 0845 600 8000.

However minor you think a car accident is, you must stop. In fact, failing to do so is an offence under the Road Traffic Act.

You should make sure your car’s engine is switched off, and then turn your hazard lights on to alert other road users to your presence.

Take a look around and if anyone has been injured in the car accident, you should call the police (and an ambulance, if necessary) as soon as possible.

2. Giving details after a car accident

When you're involved in a car accident, you’re obliged to give your name and address to anyone else involved.

However, you should avoid saying sorry or accepting blame for the accident until you know precisely what happened, as it could count against you later on.

You should stop and give your details if you crash into something on or near the road, even if there aren't any other people involved. If you hit a parked car, for example, you should leave your details on the windscreen.

Car accidents should be reported to the police within 24 hours. Failure to do so could result in a fine, penalty points or even disqualification.

3. Collecting details after a car accident

After a car accident, collect as many details as possible

If possible, you should collect the following information from any drivers, passengers and witnesses:

• names

• addresses

• contact numbers.

Ask the other drivers involved for their car insurance details, and try to establish whether they are the registered keeper of their vehicle. If they aren’t, find out who is and make a note of their name and address.

Call police straight away if someone leaves the scene of the car accident without giving their details.

4. Other information to collect from the car accident

Here are some other important details you should try to collect at the scene of the car accident:

• the registration numbers of all vehicles involved, plus a note of each vehicle’s colour, make and model

• the time and date of the crash

• a sketch showing the positions of vehicles involved

• a description of the weather conditions, plus anything unusual you notice about the road quality or lighting

• the names of any witnesses or police officers at the scene

• a list of damage to vehicles, and a description of any injuries sustained by pedestrians, drivers and passengers.

If possible, take some pictures of the car accident

You may find it useful to take photos of the car accident for use as evidence.

Most modern mobile phones will take good enough shots to help you remember important details.

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