Car accident: what should I do?
What to do in the event of a car accident? Read here how to behave correctly, when you should report the accident to the police and why an accident report is important.
06.01.2025
iStock / tommaso79
1. Immediate measures in the event of damage to property and personal injury
In the event of a car accident, the most important thing is to remain calm. Follow these steps:
Get an overview
Stop. Turn on the hazard lights and low beam on and look around:
How many vehicles are involved in the accident?
Are there any injuries?
Is there a risk of fire or explosion?
Important: Are you on a motorway? If possible, move your car onto the hard shoulder.
Secure the scene of the accident
If possible, put on a high-visibility vest and secure the scene of the accident. Place your breakdown triangle at least 50 metres in front of the scene of the accident – on fast-moving roads at least 100 metres away. Make sure you are well protected when doing so.
Provide first aid
Remove injured people from the danger zone and provide first aid. If possible, leave the scene of the accident unchanged. Always pay attention to your own safety.
Inform the emergency services
If necessary, call the ambulance service (144) and the fire brigade (118). In the event of an accident involving injured persons, always inform the police (117). They will take care of documenting the accident.
Also call the police if there is a risk to road safety – for example, due to leaked oil, fallen cargo, etc.
Care for the injured
Take care of injured people and keep them until the rescue services arrive as conscious as possible.
You can change your insurance
Are you dissatisfied with the way your claim has been handled? Do you want to change your statutory liability insurance or simply save on premiums?
After a claim, you can your insurance and take out a new one. It’s worth comparing different providers.
2. Special case: wildlife accident
In the event of a collision with a wild animal, you’re required by law to report it. Inform the responsible game warden or call 117. The police will then dispatch a game warden.
If you collide with a pet, you must notify the owner. If you can’t locate the person or if there are other uncertainties, inform the police.
3. Record the accident correctly
Document the scene of the accident: move the vehicles involved as little as possible. Exception: if people or road safety are at risk. Photograph the scene of the accident and the damaged vehicles from all sides.
Fill in the European accident report: In the event of pure property damage, you should always fill in an accident report. It serves as evidence and helps the insurance company settle the claim. Record the names and addresses of witnesses and choose clear wording.Tip: Fill in the report as much as possible in advance at home.
Involve the police in disputes: Do you disagree about how the accident occurred? Then call the police. A police report will make it easier for the insurance company to establish fault. If another party involved insists on calling the police, you must remain at the scene until they arrive.
Comparis tip: In the event of an accident, compulsory liability insurance only covers damage to third parties and their vehicles. Comprehensive insurance also covers damage to your own vehicle.
4. What to do in the event of an accident: report to the insurance company
Report any damage to your insurance company. If multiple parties are involved, the at-fault party must normally report the damage to their insurance company. The insurance company will then contact the other party’s insurer.
Have you had an accident without any apparent damage? Then it’s best to have the vehicle checked by a specialist.
After a claim, you can cancel your insurance and take out a new one. It’s worth comparing different providers.
This article was first published on 14.04.2020
