What to do in an accident

Legal

If you’re involved in an accident in which another person’s property is damaged or an animal has been killed or injured the law says you must

Stop and remain at the scene for a reasonable time
Give your name, registration number, address and the name and address of the vehicle owner to anyone with reasonable grounds for asking, or report the incident to the police as soon as possible and within 24 hours

The law defines any animal as “any horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat or dog.” 

If another person has been injured you must also produce your insurance certificate to anyone at the scene with reasonable grounds for asking. If you don’t have it, again you must report the accident to the police station or constable as soon as possible and within 24 hours. This must be done in person unless you yourself are unfit due to injury.

Safety

If someone has been injured phone an ambulance and the police straight away. Its "999" now from mobiles also. “Consider your own safety before assisting any casualty,” comments St John Ambulance spokesperson Harvey Levinson. Enlist the help of bystanders to divert or stop traffic if necessary and ask the rest of them to stand back. Check for obvious hazards like leaking petrol and turn off ignitions.

Never move a casualty and never remove his crash helmet. If he/she’s conscious, reassure them that help is on the way and to remain still. If unconscious check for breathing. If bleeding heavily try to locate the wound and press firmly on it. The best thing to do is give clear advice to the emergency services when you make that call and stay calm.

More information, training etc from these related sites
 

British Red Cross www.redcross.org.uk

St John’s Ambulance www.sja.org.uk