How to report an accident?

If you find yourself involved in an accident, whether at work or in a public place, it is crucial to report the incident promptly. There are two reasons why this is important.

Firstly, it helps improve safety standards. If you have suffered an injury, chances are someone else might be at risk too. By bringing attention to your accident, further measures can be taken to address the issue, ensuring that no one else experiences a similar fate.

Secondly, reporting provides vital evidence if you decide to make a personal injury claim. It serves as proof that the accident occurred and your injuries are real.

Whether it’s at work or in a public place like a local footpath or park, a little awareness can help if you need to make a personal injury claim:

• If the accident occurs at your workplace, inform your manager immediately and request that they record the incident in the company’s accident book. In case your employer doesn’t have one, send an email to the appropriate person or department, detailing what happened and the injuries you sustained. It’s important to have a documented trail that can be produced as evidence later if needed.
  
• If the accident occurred on a road, pavement, cycle lane, or public park, contact the relevant local authority to report the incident. You can find the contact information by visiting your council website. If the accident has taken place in a supermarket, restaurant, gym, or shop, notify an employee and request that your accident be recorded in the company’s accident book.
  
• If you suffer a dog bite, report the incident to the police by calling 101 (or 999 in case of an emergency). If possible, obtain the dog owner’s name and contact details. If you have their pet insurance information, you can also report the bite directly to their insurer. Even if you didn’t gather any details at the time of the incident, it’s still advisable to report the issue to the police, as they may already be aware of the dog in question.
  
• If the accident occurred while travelling on a bus, train, ferry, aeroplane, or taxi, identify the operator and report the accident to them. Again, request that it be recorded in their accident book.

When reporting your accident, make sure the following information is included:

• your name, gender, date of birth,
• date and location of the accident,
• description of how the accident occurred,
• injuries you sustained,
• names of any witnesses.

Apart from reporting the accident, there are other steps you can take to support your personal injury claim. Consider taking photographs of the accident scene and your injuries. For tripping accidents, including a ruler or coin in the photos can provide perspective. Additionally, maintain a diary documenting your symptoms and note any financial losses or expenses incurred due to the accident.

We’ve got many years of experience in dealing with personal injury claims and provide a no win no fee service for our clients. It can be a little daunting contacting a solicitor but you don’t need to worry. Our amazing team is friendly and supportive and here to help.

Want to find out more? Contact our personal injury team today at 020 8578 7778.