In the stress after an accident, it’s easy to overlook details that can later cause problems when filing a claim. This guide provides a clear step-by-step order of actions to help protect you, your passengers, and your right to compensation.
1) Safety first: stop, secure the scene, and check for injuries
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Stop the vehicle in a safe place (if possible).
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Turn on your hazard lights and place the warning triangle.
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Check whether anyone is injured (you, your passengers, other participants).
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If there is any suspicion of injury, do not move injured persons unless there is an immediate danger (fire, risk of being hit).
Call the police and/or emergency services if needed. Emergency numbers may vary by country; in the EU, 112 is the universal emergency number.
2) When is it mandatory to call the police?
In practice, calling the police is recommended or required when:
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there are injuries,
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there is significant material damage,
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the parties cannot agree on who is at fault,
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one driver is under the influence of alcohol/drugs or refuses a breath test,
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a participant has no documents/insurance or attempts to leave the scene.
If you’re unsure, the safer option is to call the police.
3) Photos: record everything before moving vehicles (if it’s safe)
Photos are often crucial evidence. Capture:
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wide shots: both vehicles in relation to the road, lanes, signs, traffic lights,
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both license plates,
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damage from multiple angles (close-up and wider),
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skid marks, glass, debris on the road,
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road conditions (rain, snow, potholes), visibility and lighting,
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traffic signs and any nearby cameras.
Tip: also record a short “walk-around” video of the scene.
4) Exchange information (without arguing or admitting fault)
Write down or photograph:
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full name and ID/driver’s license number,
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registration number,
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insurance policy details (insurer, policy number, validity),
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contact phone number,
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vehicle owner’s details (if the driver isn’t the owner).
Important: avoid conflict, don’t sign anything you don’t understand, and don’t casually admit fault—let the report and evidence speak.
5) European Accident Statement (report) – how to fill it out correctly
If there are no injuries and the situation is clear, the European Accident Statement is often used.
Fill in:
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the exact date, time, and location,
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a sketch of the accident (lanes, directions, vehicle positions),
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tick the relevant actions (e.g., turning, overtaking, stationary),
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visible damages,
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signatures of both drivers.
Key point: the report must be clear, complete, and consistent with the photos.
If you disagree about the description or fault, it’s better to call the police.
6) Witnesses
If there are witnesses:
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take their full name and contact details,
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note briefly what they saw,
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if possible, ask them to stay until you finish taking photos and completing the report.
7) Moving vehicles and roadside assistance
If the vehicle is obstructing traffic and there are no injuries, after taking photos:
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move the vehicles to a safe place (if they can be moved),
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if needed, call roadside assistance/towing (if included in your policy or separately arranged).
8) Filing an insurance claim: when and where to report it?
There are two common situations:
A) You are not at fault (claim paid from the other party’s third-party liability insurance)
You report the claim to the insurer of the vehicle that is at fault (their compulsory third-party liability insurance).
B) You are at fault or you want coverage for your own vehicle
If you have comprehensive insurance (kasko), you report it to your own insurer, in accordance with the policy terms (deadlines and documents).
Tip: report the claim as soon as possible (ideally the same day or the next business day), since deadlines depend on the insurer and the type of claim.
9) Documents most commonly required
Prepare:
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the European Accident Statement or a police report,
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photographs,
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copies of your driver’s license and vehicle registration,
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insurance policy details,
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bank account number (for payout), if compensation is paid in cash,
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witness statements if available.
10) Damage assessment and repair process
It usually goes like this:
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you submit the claim,
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the insurer schedules an assessment (vehicle inspection),
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you receive approval/offer: repair through a service shop or cash payout (depending on the policy),
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repair at an authorized/partner workshop or a workshop of your choice (depending on the terms).
Do not repair the vehicle before the assessment unless it’s necessary for safety reasons and you have approval/evidence (photos, receipts).
The most common mistakes people make
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they don’t photograph the vehicle positions before moving them,
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they don’t collect the other party’s insurance policy details,
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they sign the report without checking the sketch and ticked boxes,
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they report the claim too late,
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they repair the vehicle before the insurer’s assessment.