It’s a sound you never want to hear, the crunch of metal, the sudden stop, and that moment of shock when your mind races and your heart skips. Even the most careful driver can end up in a road traffic collision. And when it happens, it’s easy to make hasty decisions in the heat of the moment.
At Shield Accident Management, we’ve helped thousands of Northern Irish drivers from taxi operators in Belfast to van drivers in Omagh and families heading home through Dungannon, get back on the road safely after non-fault accidents.
Through those real experiences, we’ve seen the same few mistakes crop up time and again. The good news? With a bit of calm and the right help, they’re all avoidable.
So, let’s walk through the five most common mistakes drivers make after a collision and how you can steer clear of them.
1. Leaving the Scene Too Soon (or Staying in a Dangerous Spot Too Long)
When your car comes to a stop after a collision, adrenaline takes over. Some people jump out immediately to inspect the damage. Others sit frozen in the driver’s seat, unsure what to do.
The safest first step is to assess your surroundings. Are you or anyone else injured? Is the car in a live traffic lane? If so, get to a safe area immediately, but don’t leave the scene entirely. Failing to stay at the scene long enough to exchange details or speak to the police can cause legal trouble later, even if the accident wasn’t your fault.
Once everyone is safe, call Shield Accident Management. Our vehicle recovery services operate across Northern Ireland 24/7, so we can arrange professional recovery of your vehicle straight from the scene. Whether you’re on a country road outside Armagh or stuck on a busy Belfast roundabout, we’ll get you and your car safely off the road and into secure storage.
Tip: Never try to push or tow a heavily damaged vehicle yourself, it’s dangerous and could worsen the damage. Let professionals handle it.
2. Forgetting to Gather the Right Evidence
In the moments after a crash, it’s easy to assume someone else will take care of the details. But gathering the right information is essential for your insurance claims assistance in NI and to protect your rights later on.
You’ll need to collect:
- The other driver’s name, address, and insurer details
- Photos of both vehicles, road signs, and any relevant road conditions
- Witness contact details (if available)
- The registration numbers of all involved vehicles
If you have the Shield Accident Management app, it can guide you through these steps, and safely upload your photos and information to our team in real time.
We’ll then use that evidence to support your claim, ensuring all details are properly logged and presented to third-party insurers.
Tip: Even if the damage looks minor, always take photos. Some issues, like frame misalignment, may not be visible until later.
3. Calling Your Own Insurer Too Soon
It might sound counterintuitive, but one of the biggest mistakes drivers make is calling their own insurer before seeking accident management advice.
If the collision wasn’t your fault, contacting your insurer directly may lead to unnecessary excess charges, potential loss of your no-claims bonus, or even your vehicle being sent to a repairer you didn’t choose.
Instead, call Shield Accident Management first. We specialise in accident management in NI, meaning we handle every aspect of a non-fault accident from recovery and replacement vehicles to repairs, legal support, and insurer communications.
Our fees are recovered from the third-party insurer, meaning the service won’t cost you a penny. You’ll also keep your no-claims bonus intact.
Tip: Always let your insurer know what’s happened but only after you’ve spoken with an independent accident management specialist who can protect your interests first.
4. Accepting Liability Too Early
When accidents happen, our first instinct is often to apologise. But saying “I’m sorry” can be misinterpreted as an admission of fault, even if you’re not to blame.
It’s natural to feel bad about what’s happened, but it’s important to avoid discussing fault at the scene. The facts should be established later, based on evidence, police reports, and insurer assessments.
Shield’s experienced claims handlers and legal partners, P. Haughey & Co., ensure your rights are protected throughout the process. We’ll manage all communications with insurers and other parties so you can focus on what matters, your safety and recovery.
Sheila says: “It’s okay to be polite but let Shield do the talking when it comes to claims!”
5. Trying to Handle Everything Yourself
Perhaps the most common mistake of all: thinking you can (or should) manage the aftermath alone.
From arranging a tow to finding a reputable repair garage, handling paperwork, and chasing insurance updates it’s a full-time job, especially when you’re already stressed or injured.
That’s exactly why Shield exists. Our complete vehicle recovery services in NI and insurance claims assistance take the weight off your shoulders. We arrange:
- Immediate recovery and secure storage of your vehicle
- Like-for-like replacement cars, vans, or taxis so you’re never off the road
- Accident repairs using approved garages across Northern Ireland
- Legal and medical assistance, including physio and scans if you’re injured
- Regular updates, so you always know where your case stands
In short we bring calm to collisions.
Tip: Even if you think the damage is small or you “don’t want to bother anyone”, always report your accident to Shield. We’ll ensure you’re protected from hidden costs and complications.
How to Stay Calm, Collected, and Covered
Accidents are never pleasant but they don’t have to turn into disasters. The key is staying calm, acting safely, and calling Shield early.
Remember:
- Don’t leave the scene until it’s safe and legal.
- Gather all key details and photos.
- Call Shield before your insurer to protect your no-claims bonus.
- Avoid admitting fault.
- Let professionals handle your recovery and repairs.
Our mission is simple: to make sure no Northern Irish driver faces the aftermath of a collision alone.
With Sheila the Hedgehog by your side and a professional team on call 24/7, you can trust Shield to manage every detail from start to finish.
Need Help Right Now?
If you’ve just been involved in a non-fault collision, don’t panic, Shield Accident Management is here to help.
Call us on 0800 066 2909 or use the Shield App to report your accident instantly.
We’ll arrange vehicle recovery, a replacement car or van, and insurance claims assistance all at no cost to you.
When Sheila rolls in, calm follows close behind.