What To Do If You’re In a Vehicle Accident
Of course, it’s never a good thing, being involved in a car accident, but in the event that you do, there’s no need to worry, as Vantage Auto Services are here to help. We have the skills to help you and whatever you may need to do after the accident. Accidents tend to happen every day across UK roads, so you aren’t the first or last to have a car crash. The most important thing to think about is yours and should there be any other passengers, their health, wellbeing and safety. Also, the health and wellbeing of all passengers in both vehicles. So, take a look at our tips on what to do straight after a collision including sorting out insurance and what to next without causing yourself too much hassle.
Too often enough car accidents happen and in the heat of the moment, you can forget to provide and ask for the necessary important information from the other driver. Should these events occur, we have some helpful tips to make sure you have all the required details from everyone involved. Should the accident be your fault or another driver’s fault, the information you acquire is key to ensuring the afterwards process is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Keep Your Cool
Unfortunately, you’ve had a bump or accident with another car, the next thing to do is take a deep breath and try not to panic. Both yourself and the other driver are bound to be shook up, try not to approach the other driver when you’re flustered as this could make the situation worse. Next, call 999 or 101 and explain what has happened, check to see if anyone is injured or hurt and if so the ambulance will then need to be called.
In the past, Vantage Auto Services have heard of various stories where an occupant of an accident has reacted badly and then the insurance and communication process afterwards has become really difficult. Try to approach them in a cool, calm and collected manner and you’ll not only put yourself at ease, but them as well, remember it was an accident after all.
Make sure you turn on your hazard lights, this will show other drivers that your car has stopped. If you can, move your car to the side of the road, or out of the way of it becoming an obstruction, this can prevent any further accidents from occurring.
What To Do Next…
Once you’ve approached the other driver, there’ll be a few details you’ll need to collect from each other. Try to make sure you have a small notepad and pen in your car at all times, or you could use your mobile phone to store the important information. The most essential information you will need to take from them is:
- Name, address and contact details from both the drivers and passengers. Witnesses’ contact details will also help
- The registration number of all cars involved as well as the make, model and colour of the car
- Date and time of the crash
- A rough sketch to show the positions of the cars when the accident happened
- A note of the weather condition and anything unusual about the road or lighting
- A description of the damage caused to vehicles, any injuries from passengers/drivers/pedestrians
- What insurance company do the drivers use?
- Any further information which you think is necessary for your circumstance
After collecting all the above information, wait for the police or ambulance to arrive and they will take control of things from there. Make sure you let your insurance company know about the crash as soon as you can, as this may affect your current insurance policy. Next, give them all the information you collected from the accident including contact information from everyone involved and details of the cars. This may help you if you require a vehicle repair.
To help with these situations like this in the future, it’s a good idea to purchase or look into getting a Dash Cam.
How to Check Your Vehicle for Hidden Damage After an Accident
After the immediate aftermath of a collision, it can be tempting to assume that your car is unharmed once it starts and all visible panels appear intact. However, many forms of damage lie beneath the surface and, if left unchecked, can lead to more serious issues later. First, inspect the undercarriage by safely lifting the bonnet and examining key components such as the radiator, coolant hoses, and brake lines. Look for any fluid leaks, dents in the chassis rails or skid plates, and bent suspension arms. Even minor impacts can cause misalignment or hairline cracks that gradually worsen with every mile.
Next, turn your attention to the wheel arches and suspension. Uneven tyre wear, odd steering feedback, or a car that pulls to one side may indicate bent suspension struts or damage to the steering rack. Check each wheel for play by jacking up the car (or asking a trained technician to do so) and gripping the tyre at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions—excessive movement can signal worn ball joints or damaged wheel bearings. Don’t forget to inspect the brakes: look for scoring on the discs, leaks around callipers, or warped drums that can compromise stopping power.
Finally, take your car on a low-speed test drive on quiet roads. Listen for unusual rattles, clunks, or vibrations, and note any pulling to one side under braking or steering. If you detect anything out of the ordinary, book a comprehensive post-accident inspection with Vantage Auto Services. Our experienced technicians use specialist diagnostic equipment to uncover issues you might miss, ensuring your vehicle remains safe and reliable on Newcastle-under-Lyme roads.
Why You Should Book a Post-Accident Vehicle Inspection
Even when your car seems to drive normally after a crash, hidden stresses can undermine its performance and safety. A professional post-accident inspection at Vantage Auto Services offers peace of mind by thoroughly examining all aspects of your vehicle. Our trained technicians follow a detailed checklist that covers structural integrity, suspension geometry, steering components, braking efficiency, and electronic control systems. Identifying and repairing latent damage early not only prevents costly breakdowns but also helps maintain the manufacturer’s warranty and resale value of your vehicle.
Booking an inspection promptly also reduces insurance complications. Many insurers require documented proof that your vehicle was roadworthy following repairs. An official inspection report from an accredited garage like Vantage Auto Services can streamline your claims process, demonstrating to insurers that all necessary repairs were carried out to a professional standard. This report can be invaluable if any disputes arise about pre-existing damage versus post-accident damage, safeguarding you from potential liability.
Moreover, a post-accident inspection protects your safety and that of other road users. Even minor misalignments can affect handling and tyre wear, while undetected faults in safety systems—such as airbags or seatbelt pretensioners—could fail when you need them most. By choosing Vantage Auto Services, you benefit from decades of local expertise in Newcastle-under-Lyme and access to modern diagnostic technology. Book your post-accident vehicle inspection today to ensure your car is genuinely fit for the road and to drive away with complete confidence.
For Vehicle Repairs Contact Vantage Auto Services
For all your needs regarding vehicle repairs and servicing throughout Newcastle Under Lyme, be sure to get in touch with our experts at Vantage Auto Services. To find out more information about us or any of our services call our team today.
For more tips, check out our blog! Full of useful information – including rural driving hazards and winter maintenance tips!