Lancashire Constabulary Logo

I have been involved in a road traffic collision, what do I do now?

If the incident has just taken place and some has been injured and is in need for immediate medical attention and/or the road is blocked and there is serious traffic congestion or a risk of a further incident then please contact the emergency services by telephone using 999.

If you are involved in a collision which causes damage or injury to any other person, vehicle, animal or property, you must stop and give your own and the vehicle owner’s name, address and the registration number of the vehicle, to anyone having reasonable grounds to request them.

If you do not give your name and address at the time of the collision you must report it to the police as soon as possible and in any case within 24 hours.

If another person is injured and you do not produce your insurance certificate at the time of the collision to a police officer or to anyone having reasonable grounds to request it, you must report it to the police as soon as possible and in any case within 24 hours and produce your insurance certificate for the police within seven days.

I have been involved in a minor collision and no one is injured

If the incident has resulted only in minor damage to your vehicle, which can be moved to a safe location, then there is no requirement for the police to attend.

You should move your vehicle to a safe location and exchange details with every person who requires them, this will include the drivers and passengers of any other vehicle involved and the owners of any property damaged as a result of this incident.

I have been involved in a collision and someone is injured but is not in need of urgent medical attention

If the incident has resulted in injury to any person then you should contact the police to report it, you can report it to us online here or contact us by telephone using 101.

You will need to exchange details with every person who requires them, this will include the drivers and passengers of any other vehicle involved and the owners of any property damaged as a result of this incident.

I have hit an animal do I need to tell someone?

In all cases you should endeavour to inform the person who owns or is responsible for the animal, there are certain circumstances where you must notify the police, these are when the collision involves a dogs, goats, horses, cattle, donkeys, mules, sheep and pigs.

If a wild animal has been involved take care when approaching it as the animal will be scared and may try to escape and injure itself further or bite or scratch you to defend itself. Observe it from a safe distance.

If the animal is severely injured the police hold details of local vets or animal welfare groups who may be able to assist as will the RSPCA who can be contacted by telephone on 03001234999.

What about my insurance company?

Most insurance companies will insist that you report any collision you are involved in to them even if you do not intend to make a claim, you should check your policy for clarification.

I have hit a lamppost or other street furniture, who do I tell?

You will need to contact the person who owns the item concerned, in most cases this will be the County Council, Unitary Authority or one of the local District Councils;

Popular Pages

 

armed forces convenant gold award logo

Your Area

Online Services

Information