After an Accident: What Happens to Your Car and What You Should Do

Being involved in a road accident is frightening. Once you're safe, here's exactly what to do next — from calling recovery to dealing with insurance.

Road accidents are traumatic, but knowing what to do in the aftermath can make a significant difference to your safety, your claim, and the recovery of your vehicle.

Immediately After the Collision

1. Check for injuries — yourself, passengers, and any other parties involved. Call 999 if anyone is hurt.

2. Move to safety — if the vehicle is driveable and blocking traffic, move it to the side of the road. If not, put hazard lights on and exit via the safe door.

3. Do not admit fault — even if you think you may be responsible. Liability is determined by insurers and courts, not roadside conversations.

4. Exchange details — name, address, phone number, vehicle registration, and insurance company of all parties involved.

5. Document everything — photograph the scene, damage to all vehicles, road markings, skid marks, and any relevant road signs.

Calling for Recovery

Once you're safe, your damaged vehicle will need to be recovered if it is not roadworthy. You have two main options:

Your insurer's recommended recovery — most policies include recovery. However, you may be limited to where the vehicle is taken.

Independent recovery — you choose who recovers you and where the vehicle goes. This is often faster and more flexible.

Fred's Towing Services provides fast accident recovery across Newport, Cardiff, Bristol and Bath. We can transport your vehicle to your chosen garage or a secure storage facility.

What Happens to Your Car

After an accident, your insurer will arrange for an engineer to assess the damage. They will decide whether the car is:

Repairable — the cost of repair is less than the car's market value

A total loss (write-off) — repair costs exceed the vehicle's value

If the car is a Category S or N write-off, you may be able to buy it back from the insurer and have it repaired independently.

Keeping Records

Keep copies of everything: the accident report number, engineer's report, receipts for any alternative transport costs, and records of all communications with your insurer. These will be important if the claim becomes disputed.

Need accident recovery in Newport, Cardiff, Bristol or Bath? Fred's Towing Services responds 24/7. Call 01633 982028 — we'll get your vehicle moved safely and quickly.