MASS MOTOR ACCIDENT

Did You Know?

MASS has compiled some useful information for you on the do’s and don’ts of motoring. We hope you will find them useful.

1. Seat Belts

   Everyone knows that wearing a seat belt when travelling in a car is law. What you may not know is that you will automatically lose up to 25% of any compensation you may be entitled to if you are involved in an accident and are not wearing a seat belt.

   Penalties – If you are stopped by the police and are not wearing a seat belt you will be fined up to £500 and get 3 penalty points on your licence

 

2. Mobile Phones

   Driving whilst using a hand held mobile phone is against the law but you can still drive and use a ‘hands free’ set legally.

   Penalties – If you are caught using a hand held mobile phone you will be fined up to £1,000 or up to £2,500 if driving a bus or goods vehicle with 3 penalty points.

 

3. Driving under the influence of Alcohol or Drugs

   It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the Police have the power to stop anyone at any time without giving a reason.

   If you are caught driving while unfit through drink or drugs or with excess alcohol, or you fail to provide a specimen for analysis, this carries the maximum penalties of 6 months in prison, a fine of up to £5,000, automatic disqualification and between 3 to 11 penalty points.

 

4. Insurance

   When driving a vehicle it is law to be insured. This applies to whether you own the car or not. Some insurance companies provide cover to ‘Drive other Cars’ – known as ‘DOC’ cover. This means that your own insurance will cover you to drive other peoples vehicles with their permission.

   NB – Before driving anyone else’s car:

   • Always ensure that you have the owners’ permission
   • Check with the owner if you are covered on their insurance policy
   • If not, check with your insurance company that your policy has ‘DOC’ cover

 

Please note that ‘DOC’ cover is usually on a ‘third party basis’ only. This means that if you have an accident, you are only covered for the other vehicles/drivers costs and not for the cost of the damage to the vehicle you are driving or any injury to you.

 

Continuous Insurance – As from January 2011, it will be illegal to own a vehicle without it being insured. The DVLA and Insurance databases will be linked so the authorities / police will know any vehicle that is taxed but not insured or vice versa.

 

ANPR – Automatic Number Plate Recognition – The police now have this facility whereby they can check on the central insurance database whether a vehicle is insured from their patrol cars – this can either be done whilst they are driving or at the roadside.

 

Penalties for not having insurance:

First offence - £200 fine and 6 penalty points

Repeat offending – car impounded – if insurance is not purchased within 14 days the car will be crushed.

 

5. What to do when you have an accident

   It is always a shock when you have been involved in an accident so we have listed some simple things to think about if you are ever in this situation.

    

   At the Scene

   • Take a deep breath and try to relax – you will be in shock. Check yourself and any passengers for any injuries.
   • Never admit it was your fault – even if you think it was.
   • Take down the details of the other vehicle – i.e. name and make of the vehicle, colour and registration number.
   • Take down the details of the other driver – name, address, telephone number and insurance details.
   • Call the police if anyone is injured or if you feel threatened in anyway. If the police do attend, make a note of the officers name / number.
   • Make a note of the circumstances – i.e. how the accident happened; damage to both vehicles; injuries to anyone if applicable; weather & road conditions.
   • Take a photo of the scene and damaged vehicles if possible if you have a camera available or on your mobile phone.
   • Take contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident.

    

   After the Accident

    

   • Inform your insurance company of the accident. You should aim to do this as soon as possible, whether or not you want to make a claim.
   • If you are injured you should obtain independent legal advice from a solicitor.
   • You should also check if you have legal expenses cover attached to any of your insurance policies. This could be your motor or household policy, or even with your credit card.
   • Do not liaise with the other drivers insurance company if they contact you direct as this will not be in your best interest.
   • Seek medical advice if you have any injuries.
   • Record all your expenses when dealing with the aftermath of the accident and keep all receipts.