What to do after a car accident

Being stranded on the motorway after a car accident can be scary and dangerous. It's completely natural to feel panicked. If you're unsure what to do after a car accident on the motorway, here are the key steps:

• Stop on the hard shoulder: If you're able to, pull over and stop your car on the hard shoulder as far away from moving traffic as possible. Even if the collision seems minor, it's important to get fully out of live lanes.
• Turn on your hazard lights immediately: Switch on your hazard lights straight away and keep them flashing to alert other drivers that your car is stationary.
• Exit the car safely: Once you've pulled over safely, leave the vehicle using the left-hand (nearside) doors, away from passing traffic. This can be awkward for the driver, but it's the safest way to exit.
• Get behind the barrier: Move yourself and any passengers to a safe place well away from the carriageway, ideally behind a barrier. Leave pets in the car unless there is an emergency and only move them if it is safe to do so, keeping them secured and away from the hard shoulder.
• Use an emergency telephone: These are usually located about every mile and are painted orange. Calling from one will automatically alert the National Highways control centre, who can pinpoint your exact location and send assistance.

If you've been injured in a hit and run, where the other driver failed to stop and left the scene, there are clear steps you can take to protect your safety and improve your chances of claiming compensation:

Don't chase the other driver: Stop as soon as it's safe to do so. While it's natural to feel frustrated and want to follow the other driver, chasing them can put you and others in danger and may complicate your case if you wanted to make a claim.

Gather as much information as possible: Try to record as many details as you can while they're still fresh in your mind. This includes:

• Taking photos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions and any debris
• Note the time, date and exact location
• Write down anything you remember about the other vehicle such as the make, model, colour and registration, even if it's partial.
• If you saw the driver, note any details you remember about their appearance
• Speak to any witnesses and collect their contact details, this will help support your claim

Report the incident to the police: In the UK, you are legally required to report a hit and run to the police within 24 hours. Make sure you have a record of the crime reference number. This is important evidence for both an insurance claim or if you're making a personal injury claim.

Understand your right to compensation: Even if the driver can't be identified, you may still be able to make a claim for compensation. The Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB) was set up to help compensate victims of uninsured or untraceable drivers, so even if you don't have the other driver's details, you may still be able to get compensation.

If you hit an animal while driving, you should stop safely, check the animal, contact the police if required, and arrange help from services like the RSPCA if the animal is injured. Hitting an animal can be extremely distressing, but it's important to act quickly and responsibly. Here's what to do if it happens:

Stop safely and assess the situation: Pull over as soon as it is safe to do so and turn on your hazard lights. Check the animal from a safe distance. Injured animals may be frightened and unpredictable, so avoid sudden movements.

Call for help if needed: If the animal is injured or is a danger to passing cars, contact the police on 101. You can also contact the RSPCA if the animal needs urgent welfare assistance.

Move the animal only if safe to do so: If it's safe to do so, move small animals away from the road and keep them warm with a coat or blanket while you wait for help. Don't try to move large animals because it could worsen their injuries and put you at risk.

Things to avoid doing: Don't give the animal food or water - this can cause choking or make the injuries worse. Avoid handling them more than necessary, they'll be frightened and could react unpredictably.

Check for identification: Look for a collar tag or other ID. If details are available, contact the owner to arrange the animal's return. If you can't find any, you can take dogs to a vet, where they can scan for a microchip to identify the owner.

Reporting the accident: Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, you must report hitting specific animals to the police within 24 hours. This includes:

• Dogs
• Horses
• Cattle, for example cows
• Pigs
• Goats
• Sheep
• Donkeys and mules

Cats aren't currently covered by the reporting requirement, but you should still do what you reasonably can to help the animal and let the owner know if possible.

If you don't stop after a car accident where someone is injured, an animal is hit or property is damaged, it's considered a criminal offence, and you may face charges even if the accident wasn't your fault.

Penalties can include a fine, penalty points on your licence, driving disqualification and in more serious cases, a prison sentence.

If you've suffered any injury, it's important to see a GP or go to your local A&E as soon as possible. Even if you feel fine, it's still a good idea to get checked, as some injuries (including internal injuries or soft tissue damage) may not be immediately obvious.

If your car isn't severely damaged and appears drivable, you can usually drive it after an accident. However, you shouldn't drive it if there is structural damage to the car, the airbags have deployed or there are any steering or braking issues.

If you have any doubts about its condition, you should get it checked at a garage before driving it again. Driving a damaged car could put you and others at risk and may also affect your insurance if it is later found to be unsafe.

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