Being involved in a car accident is one of the most stressful things that can happen to a driver. Whether it’s a minor bump in a car park or a serious collision on the road, knowing exactly what to do in the aftermath can make a huge difference — both for your safety and for any insurance claim that follows.
At Linwood Coachworks, we deal with accident-damaged vehicles every day. We’ve put together this step-by-step guide to help drivers in Paisley, Renfrewshire and across Scotland know exactly what to do if the worst happens.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
The moments after an accident can be chaotic. Take a breath and check yourself and any passengers for injuries before anything else. If anyone is injured, call 999 immediately. Do not attempt to move an injured person unless they are in immediate danger.
Step 2: Move to Safety if Possible
If the vehicles are driveable and it is safe to do so, move them to the side of the road or a nearby car park to avoid blocking traffic. Switch on your hazard lights. If your vehicle cannot be moved and you are on a busy road, get yourself and any passengers to safety behind a barrier.
Step 3: Call the Police if Required
In Scotland, you must report an accident to the police if:
- Anyone has been injured
- The other driver fails to stop or provide their details
- You suspect the other driver is uninsured or under the influence
- Any property other than the vehicles has been damaged
Even if police attendance isn’t required, you can still report the accident at your local police station within 24 hours.
Step 4: Exchange Details With the Other Driver
You are legally required to exchange details at the scene of an accident. Make sure you collect:
- Full name and address
- Phone number
- Vehicle registration number
- Insurance company name and policy number
- Make, model and colour of their vehicle
Do not admit liability or apologise at the scene — even if you think you may have been at fault. This can affect your insurance claim later.
Step 5: Document Everything
Before leaving the scene, take as many photos as possible. Use your phone to capture:
- All vehicles involved from multiple angles
- Close-up shots of all damage
- The road, junction, or car park where the accident happened
- Any road signs, markings, or traffic lights nearby
- The other driver’s number plate
- Any witnesses present
The more evidence you have, the stronger your insurance claim will be.
Step 6: Get Witness Details
If anyone witnessed the accident, ask for their name and phone number. Independent witness statements can be invaluable if liability is disputed by the other driver or their insurer.
Step 7: Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurer as soon as possible — most policies require you to report accidents promptly even if you don’t plan to make a claim. When you call, stick to the facts and avoid speculating about fault. Have your policy number, the other driver’s details, and your photos ready.
For minor damage where repair costs are low, it’s worth getting a cash repair estimate before deciding whether to claim — making a claim may affect your no-claims bonus even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Step 8: Choose Your Own Repair Shop
This is one of the most important things to know — you have the legal right to choose which garage repairs your vehicle. Your insurer may suggest their own approved repairer, but you are under no obligation to use them.
Insurer-approved repairers are often selected on cost rather than quality. By choosing an independent specialist, you ensure your vehicle is repaired to the highest standard.
How Linwood Coachworks Can Help
At Linwood Coachworks in Paisley, we handle fault and non-fault accident repairs every day. We’re BS 10125 certified, use state-of-the-art equipment including the PPG MoonWalk paint matching system, and have over 40 years of experience restoring vehicles to pre-accident condition.
We deal directly with your insurer on your behalf — so you don’t have to chase paperwork or sit on hold to claims lines. You just drop your vehicle off and we handle the rest.
- Free, no-obligation estimates — in person or by photo
- BS 10125 certified repairs
- Insurance-approved — we work with all major insurers
- Fault and non-fault claims handled
- Serving Paisley, Linwood, Renfrewshire and Greater Glasgow
Read our full accident insurance claim guide or find out more about our accident repair service in Paisley.
Call us on 07717 233864, email info@linwoodcoachworks.co.uk, or use our contact page to get a free estimate today.