Cycle-Aid’s Nine Steps to successful recovery after an accident:
1. Try to remain calm and polite; you will control the situation more easily if you keep your temper and the emergency services, the Police particularly, will be more prepared to listen to you.
2. Try to identify the precise location where the impact occurred and mark it.
3. Obtain names and addresses of any witnesses.
4. If there is any injury in the accident the incident has to be reported to the Police as soon as possible and at the latest within 24-hours. The driver must produce his insurance certificate to anyone who reasonably requires it (that includes the injured party or their representatives) and to the Police within 7 days.
Even if the accident is damage only (no injury) Section 170 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 requires the driver of the vehicle to provide their own name and address and, if different, the name and address of the registered keeper of the vehicle. If this information is not forthcoming as soon as reasonably practical or within a maximum 24-hour period, the accident becomes compulsorily reportable to the Police.
5. Note the registration numbers of the vehicles involved.
6. Sketch or photograph the location, road surface and damaged vehicles/cycles, noting skid or other marks and debris on the road. (An example of a suitable sketch plan is below)
7. Keep the cycle in its damaged state.
8. If injuries are involved or statutory details are not forthcoming, report the accident to the Police.
9. Seek detailed free legal advice from Cycle Aid: 0800 132383