Quinn-direct's Top Tips on What to Do in the Event of a Car Accident

    LONDON, ENGLAND, November 28, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Car insurance specialists Quinn Direct have put together some tips on what to do in the event of a car accident - particularly relevant this time of the year. With less day light combined with often treacherous winter weather, the potential to have a car accident is probably greater.

So, what should you do if you are involved in a car accident? As you read this, perhaps from the comfort of your home, you may think that it's fairly straightforward. However, at the time, you will probably be stressed and / or shocked, and may not be thinking straight. It is very important that you remember the tips below to make sure you get all the information needed:

- first of all, always make sure you have a disposable camera (or a mobile phone that takes pictures) in your vehicle. This may prove invaluable with regards to a car insurance claim, as you can take pictures of the incident;

- secondly, also make sure you have a paper and pen in your car at all times, so, again, if you are involved in an accident, you can draw a sketch of the positioning of the cars involved as well as take down details. This can be very useful information when contacting your car insurance provider;

- if you are part of an accident and someone or an animal is injured, or there is another vehicle involved, then stop - and keep calm;

- try and stop at the scene of the accident as long as it is not dangerous or blocks the road. Otherwise, move somewhere safe and legal and turn off your engine. Put on your hazard warning lights and, if you have one, erect a red warning triangle behind your car;

- if anyone is injured, or if the crash has created a dangerous situation on the road, or someone leaves the scene of the accident without exchanging information, call 999;

- exchange details with the other party or parties involved. Get their full names and addresses; both their home and mobile numbers; their car insurance details etc; Also, write down their car registration number, make, model and colour, as well as the details of any passengers;

- if there are any witnesses, get their details too;

- take photographs from every angle and draw diagrams. Note the weather and driving conditions as well as anything else pertinent - such as whether the other driver was using a mobile phone as they drove towards you etc;

- throughout the whole process, try and keep a clear head. Shouting at the other driver will only make an already unpleasant situation even worse. Similarly, if the other driver is talking to you in a threatening manner, don't accept responsibility for the accident;

- finally, report the accident to your car insurance provider as soon as you can.

Hopefully, you'll never have to use these tips but it may be worth printing them out and keeping them in your glove box, just in case something does happen.

For more information please visit http://www.quinn-direct.co.uk/.

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