Thinking about car accidents isn't particularly pleasant but the fact is that most of us will be involved in one at some stage in our lives.

There's no point worrying about it - sometimes it's simply a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

The important issue is to know what to do if and when an accident happens.

At the scene of the accident
First things first - don't panic and certainly don't lose your temper.

Emotions will be running high and an unfortunate situation can turn into a volatile one very quickly.

In an accident, your first priority should be to check if anyone is injured and if so call 999 for an ambulance.

Under no circumstances should you admit liability at the scene of an accident, even it was obviously your fault.

Liability is a matter for the insurance companies to decide.

To make their job easier you should make a note the position of the vehicles involved and check for any independent witnesses to the accident.

If you have a camera facility on your phone, you should also take a photograph of the scene and particularly of the damage caused.

If a passing member of the public did witness the events, take their name, address and phone number.

And of course, most importantly, you must exchange full details with other parties involved in the accident.

You need their name, home address, phone number, car registration number and insurance company details.

Only once you have collected all the necessary information should you leave the scene of the accident.

When you get home
When you make it back to your house, you should find your certificate of motor insurance to check whether or not you are fully covered for the accident.

You should then phone the police to report the accident.

If the police did not attend the accident, it is your legal responsibility to notify then of what happened within 4 hours.

Finally, you should phone your insurance company to inform them of the accident... and they will direct you from there.