Accidents do happen. Stay calm and don't admit blame.

• The first priority is to ensure that the situation is not made worse, by alerting other traffic to steer clear of the accident.
  
• The next urgent priority is to deal with any injuries: check the ABC of first aid - Airway, Breathing, and Circulation. Make sure someone calls for an ambulance. Keep any casualties warm and immobillised.
  
• If anyone is injured, then the police must be notified by law.
  
• Always keep a notebook and pen in the car, and ideally a camera - a disposable one will do or use your mobile phone.
• Use them to make notes and take photos showing the road layout, position of vehicles and their damage.
  
• Note the registration number, make and colour of other vehicles involved and ask their drivers for their name, address, and insurance details. They are obliged by law to supply this information.
  
• If your car hits a dog or a farm animal, such as a sheep or cow, you are required to report the incident to the police. If you hit a cat or wild animal, there is no obligation to report it, but you must ensure that the animal is not injured and suffering.