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On the road , Safety and breakdowns · Posodobljeno 2026-10-15

What to do after an accident

Being in an accident is stressful, and it is hard to think clearly. Knowing the general steps in advance helps you stay calm and protect yourself and others. The rules differ between places, so treat this as general guidance and follow instructions from the authorities where you are.

1. Safety first

• Stop as soon as it is safe, switch on the hazard lights and, if you can, switch off the engine.
• Check yourself and your passengers for injuries before anything else.
• If the car is in a dangerous spot and can be moved safely, and nobody is seriously hurt, consider moving it out of the traffic. If in doubt, leave it where it is.
• Put on a high-visibility vest if you have one and get yourself and passengers to a safe place away from traffic.

2. Warn others and get help

Place a warning triangle at a suitable distance behind the car to warn approaching drivers. If anyone is hurt, or if there is a fire, leaking fuel or a blocked road, call the emergency services immediately and tell them clearly where you are, what happened and how many people are hurt. Do not move a seriously injured person unless they are in immediate danger. Stay on the line if the operator asks you to.

3. Document the scene

• Take photos of all vehicles from several angles, the damage, licence plates, the road, signs, skid marks and the weather conditions.
• Note the time, the place and what happened while your memory is fresh.
• If it is safe, make a simple sketch of the positions of the vehicles.

4. Exchange details

Exchange names, contact details, vehicle registration numbers and insurance information with the other drivers. Note the make and model of each vehicle. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and phone numbers, since an independent account can be very valuable later.

5. Be careful what you say

Be polite and cooperative, but do not admit fault or sign statements you do not fully understand at the scene. Who is responsible is often decided later, after the facts are looked at. Stick to describing what happened. If the other party is aggressive or you feel unsafe, step away and wait for the authorities.

6. Contact your insurer

Inform your insurance company as soon as you reasonably can, and check your policy for any reporting requirements. Give them the facts, photos and details you collected. If you are unsure about reporting duties or about your rights, ask the insurer or a legal advisor.

7. Keep records

• Keep copies of reports, photos, messages, repair estimates and invoices.
• Keep records of any medical visits and related costs.
• Have the car checked by a qualified workshop even if the damage looks minor, since hidden damage to the structure, steering or suspension is common.

Accident Documents Safety