5 Steps To Take After a Road Traffic Accident (RTA)

Everyday across the UK and Northern Ireland there are hundreds of car accidents. Most are simple fender benders and car park bumps, but those that are not have the capacity to seriously harm the driver and passengers. When an RTA happens, you need to think fast. Here are the five things you really ought to think about, before it happens to you.
Road Traffic Accidents in the UK and Northern Ireland
The Police Service of Northern Ireland report an average of between 50 and 100 fatalities each year on the roads. Interestingly, the statistics start in 1931 when there were over 300 fatalities on the roads each year. The rate of traffic accidents in NI has fallen significantly, but you might still need an RTA personal injury lawyer if you get into a pickle.
In mainland UK the story of falling fatality rates in the last century is echoed. However, with a larger island, a bigger road system, faster infrastructure, and far more motorways; the UK does a lot worse.
According to government statistics, some 1,624 people in the UK died on the roads in 2023. This figure is down 5% on the previous year. Nearly 30,000 people were seriously injured on UK roads in the same year.
If You Are Involved in a Car Accident
If you are one of the unlucky 30,000 people who become seriously injured in a car accident, take these five steps to protect your interests.
1 – Make Yourself Safe
Your safety is the priority. Remove yourself from the wreckage if you are able. You have no ‘duty’ to help others unless you are a medical professional and have sworn an oath. Accident advice is that you only help others if it does not put you in danger.
2 – Get Help
Police and ambulance services are required after a crash. You may need the fire brigade if anyone is stuck within the crushed vehicle. Seeking help protects you physically while also leaving a legal paper trail of the accident.
3 – Witnesses and Evidence
If you are not incapacitated, you should speak to witnesses and retrieve their contact details. If you are incapacitated, you should concentrate on your recovery. Ask a friend, relative, or even your lawyer to do the legwork for you. Contacting a personal injury lawyer is the right thing to do to give yourself the best chance at maximum compensation.
4 – Keeping Receipts and Documenting
Document the accident or the scene with photos and video footage. Next, document your injuries and your recovery. A video diary will help testify to your pain and suffering. Keep all the receipts associated with travelling to treatments, the cost of the treatments, and related funds.
5 – Claim Compensation
Have your lawyer make a claim for compensation on your behalf. You can put your lawyer in charge to spare yourself the headache while you recover. You may receive compensation for your pain and suffering, loss of earnings and future earnings, your appointments and financial losses, your property during the accident, and other items.
RTAs: Be Prepared
Forewarned is forearmed when it comes to road traffic accidents. Don’t go into any car unprepared.