What to do in the first hour after a non-fault accident
The first hour after a crash sets up everything that follows, and it's the hour you're least equipped to handle. Adrenaline is running, and that's exactly when details slip.
People first. If anyone's hurt, call 999 before you do anything else. If the cars are drivable, get them clear of moving traffic.
Once everyone's safe, photograph the scene properly. Both vehicles, the damage, the road layout, any skid marks or debris. Take more than you think you need; you can't go back for another one later.
Swap names, phone numbers, registrations and insurers with the other driver. If someone stopped to help, get their number too. An independent witness carries real weight if the other side changes its story.
Don't accept blame at the roadside, and don't sign anything for a recovery service that turns up uninvited. You can be perfectly polite and still commit to nothing.
Then call us. From there the recovery, the insurer and the claim are ours to deal with.