The First Things to Do After a Car Accident in Northern Ireland
If you’ve just been involved in a car accident or road traffic collision (RTC) in Northern Ireland, knowing what to do next is critical. The steps you take in the first two hours can affect your safety, your legal rights, and your ability to make a claim. Under the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, you have specific legal duties at the scene.
This guide explains exactly what to do after a car accident in Northern Ireland to protect your safety, your legal rights, and your vehicle.
Step 1 – Check for injuries and move to safety
What should I do immediately after a car accident in NI?
- Before exiting your vehicle, ensure you are in a safe position.
- Turn off the engine and switch on your hazard lights.
- Check for injuries, including delayed symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or confusion. : Even if you feel “fine,” monitor yourself closely, symptoms can appear hours later
- Exit safely: If on a busy road like the M1, A1, or M2, exit via the passenger door if possible and move behind the crash barrier.
Step 2 – Call 999 or 101 (when required)
When should I call 999 or 101 after a car accident in Northern Ireland?
| Situation | Action |
| Injuries or immediate danger | Call 999 immediately. |
| Road is blocked/dangerous | Call 999 for traffic management. |
| Minor crash (No injuries) | Call 101 or report via the PSNI Online Portal. |
| Hit and Run | Call 101 immediately while at the scene. |
Pro Tip: Even for minor accidents, reporting via 101 gives you a Police Reference Number, which is vital for your insurance claim and for CRASH Services to expedite your case.
You can also report a road traffic accident on the PSNI Portal!
Step 3 – Exchange details
What details do I need to exchange after a car accident?
By law in NI, you must exchange details with the other party. Do not leave the scene until you have:
- Full Name and Address of the driver.
- Vehicle Registration Number (essential for checking insurance databases).
- Insurance Company Name (and policy number if available).
- Vehicle Owner Details (if the driver doesn’t own the car).
Step 4 – Gather evidence
What evidence do I need to gather for my claim?
Providing high-quality evidence helps your claim succeed faster.
Photos: Capture the damage to all vehicles, the final resting positions, and any debris on the road.
Dashcam: If you have dashcam footage, secure the memory card immediately.
Witnesses: Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the incident before they leave.
Step 5 – Arrange recovery
Do I need to move my car after an accident?
The PSNI advises that if there are no injuries and the vehicles are causing a hazard, you should move them to a safe location after taking quick photos of their original positions.
If there are serious injuries, do not move the vehicles until the police arrive.
How do I get my car recovered from the scene of an accident?
You are not required to use your insurer’s nominated recovery service.
Drivers in Northern Ireland have the legal right to choose an independent accident recovery provider.
If you need a recovery truck in Belfast, Derry~Londonderry, Newtownabbey, Newry, or anywhere in NI, CRASH Services offers 24/7 accident recovery.
Non-Fault Benefit: If the accident wasn’t your fault, CRASH can recover your vehicle and provide a like-for-like replacement at no cost to you (we recover costs from the at-fault insurer).
Need Specialised Towing?
Our partner network across Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI) are equipped for complex accident recovery that standard breakdown trucks cannot handle.
Get Independent Advice Before Settling
The “claims process” can be overwhelming. Many insurers may direct you toward their own “approved” garages or fast settlements.
CRASH Services acts as your advocate. We ensure:
- Your car is repaired at a garage of your choice.
- You receive a like-for-like replacement vehicle immediately after a non-fault.
- You have access to professional legal and medical support if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions After a Car Accident in NI
Do I have to report a minor car accident to the police in NI?
Yes, if you were unable to exchange details at the scene or if anyone was injured, you must report it to the PSNI within 24 hours.
What happens if I don’t exchange details at the scene?
In Northern Ireland, you are legally required to stop and exchange details after a road traffic accident if another person, vehicle, property, or certain animals are involved. If you do not exchange details at the scene, you may be required to report the accident to the police as soon as reasonably possible. Failing to do so can lead to legal consequences and may make it more difficult to deal with insurance claims. It is always best to gather the required information at the scene, including names, addresses, vehicle registration numbers, and insurance details, to avoid complications later.
Am I entitled to a courtesy car after an accident?
If the accident wasn’t your fault, you may be able to get a replacement vehicle after a car accident in Northern Ireland. At CRASH Services, we arrange a like-for-like replacement vehicle so you can stay on the road while your vehicle is being repaired or until your claim is settled. In most non-fault cases, the cost is recovered directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance company, meaning there is typically no upfront cost to you. Because every accident is different, entitlement depends on the circumstances of the collision. We recommend contacting our team as soon as possible so we can assess your situation and get you back behind the wheel quickly.
Can I choose my own repair garage?
Absolutely. You have the legal right to choose who repairs your vehicle. Independent accident management companies like CRASH Services help protect this right.
What if the other driver has no insurance?
In Northern Ireland, you can still claim through the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). CRASH Services can guide you through this specialised process.
For immediate assistance after a car accident in Northern Ireland, call CRASH Services on 028 9066 0244 or visit our offices in Newry, Belfast, Newtownabbey (Mallusk office) & Derry~Londonderry,
Do I need to tell my insurance company?
Yes. Standard insurance policies require you to disclose any accident, regardless of who was at fault. However, notifying them doesn’t mean you have to make a claim on your own policy and risk your no-claims bonus. When you choose CRASH, we can guide you through this process and handle the heavy lifting regarding communication with the insurers, ensuring your interests are protected from the start.
How long do I have to report an accident?
In Northern Ireland, if you weren’t able to exchange details at the scene, you are legally required to report the accident to the police within 24 hours. For insurance purposes, you should report the incident as soon as “reasonably possible.” We always advise acting quickly; the sooner you contact us, the faster we can secure witness statements and evidence to ensure your claim remains compliant and moves forward without delay.
Who pays for recovery after a non-fault accident?
You shouldn’t be out of pocket for an accident that wasn’t your fault. CRASH Services can arrange for the immediate recovery of your vehicle from the scene or your home. We handle all the recovery costs and bill the at-fault driver’s insurance company directly. This means no upfront charges for you and the peace of mind that your vehicle is being moved to a secure location while the repair process begins.
Do I need an accident management company after a crash?
No, you are not legally required to use an accident management company after a crash in Northern Ireland. However, many drivers choose to do so because it simplifies the process. An accident management company can take care of recovery, repairs, replacement vehicles, and communication with insurers, helping you avoid delays and confusion. If the accident was not your fault, using an accident management service can also help ensure your claim is handled correctly and that you receive the support you are entitled to.
