No driver wants to be involved in an accident. However, sometimes it’s inevitable and if you do get caught up in an accident, there’s certain details you’ll need to share with the other driver.
Here, you’ll discover the main details you are required to give out and the scams you need to be aware of.
What details do you need to provide to the other driver?
The details you are required to give the other driver by law, is your name and address. Even if you simply crash into a parked empty car, you’ll still need to leave your details at the scene.
It’s important not to accept blame or apologise until the cause of the crash can be determined. If you do, it could go against you when making a claim. It’s important to establish the other drivers name and address too, as this will help protect you against fraudulent claims.
Your name and address are the only contact details you are required to give by law, but there are some other pieces of information you may be asked for.
Other details you may be asked for
Some other details you may be asked for, and which you may want to ask for, include:
- Vehicle registration number
- Damages caused to both vehicles
- The date and time of the crash
- Weather conditions and anything unusual about the lighting or road quality
These are largely useful to the police, though they’ll also come in handy for the insurance claim too.
Beware of the crash-for-cash scam
While the majority of accidents are just that, an accident, in some cases you may be the victim of fraud. The Crash-for-Cash scam is particularly common, where a driver sets up an accident to make a fraudulent claim.
If you notice the driver was driving unusually or particularly badly, it could a tell-tale sign they deliberately caused the accident for a pay-out. If you feel you are the victim of this kind of scam, never admit responsibility at the scene and take photos as proof of any damages. You can also install a good-quality dash cam to protect you against accident scams. By following these steps, you can help to protect your used car NI in the event of an accident.
The above are the main details you’ll need to provide if you’re in an accident. Being aware of the current scams circulating and taking as many details from the accident as you can is also a good idea to ensure you’re protected.