My vehicle has been damaged in a road traffic collision, what should I do?
If nobody was injured and both parties stopped at the scene and exchanged names and addresses there is no requirement to report the accident to us. Road traffic law has been complied with.

 

What if my vehicle has been damaged and the other driver doesn’t stop?
If there is damage to your vehicle as a result of the collision then you need to report the matter to us as soon as possible and within 24 hours. If you managed to make a note of the registration of the offending vehicle, we will make enquiries to trace and speak to the driver. The process of tracing and speaking to the driver of the other vehicle can take some time.

If you did not manage to note down the registration of the vehicle then you can still report the accident to us but unfortunately it may be that no further enquiries can be made.

However, if the vehicle had an identifying mark on it, a company logo for example, then it may be that the vehicle driver can be traced and spoken to.

We will aim to prosecute in most cases where there is sufficient evidence to secure a conviction, however, each case is judged on its own merits. A conviction for one of these offences could lead to imprisonment and/or a substantial fine.

 

Does this answer your question?
Further advice on Road Traffic Collisions is available in our your right to information section.

www.askthe.police.uk contains a database with over 500 police related questions – search for accidents.