How should I behave if I am involved in an accident?
April 27, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Ben Bergmann
Dear traffic lawyer,
My name is Karl Pasche and I have a question regarding my behavior in the event of a traffic accident. I am often on the road for work and I am worried about what to do if I am involved in an accident.
The situation I find myself in is that I often drive long distances and of course there is always the risk of an accident. I am unsure of how to properly handle myself in the event of an accident in order to avoid any legal difficulties. Should I call the police? What is my liability if I caused the accident? What should I consider if there are injuries?
I am greatly concerned that I may not react properly in the event of an accident and worsen my situation. That's why I am turning to you with the question of how I can best behave to avoid legal consequences and represent my interests as effectively as possible.
Can you give me tips on how to properly behave in the event of an accident and what my next steps should be? I would be very grateful for your support and expertise in this matter.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Karl Pasche
Dear Mr. Pasche,
Thank you for your question regarding your behavior in the event of a traffic accident. It is understandable that you are concerned and unsure of how to properly handle yourself in such a situation. I will now provide you with detailed tips and information to help you in the event of a potential accident.
First and foremost, it is important to remain calm and secure the accident site to prevent further accidents. Safely park your vehicle, activate the hazard lights, and wear a reflective vest to ensure your own safety. Then, you should contact the police and, if necessary, an ambulance, especially if there are injuries or significant property damage.
If you have caused the accident, it is important that you attend to the other parties involved and exchange personal information and insurance details. Under no circumstances should you leave the accident scene, even if it is just a minor fender bender. If there are witnesses, make sure to take down their contact information for possible future statements.
Regarding your liability in the event of an accident, it depends on whether you are at fault or if you are partially responsible. In German traffic law, liability is generally based on the principle of fault, which means that the liability is assigned to the party that caused the accident. Therefore, it is advisable to have legal expenses insurance for traffic law in order to cover the costs of an attorney in case of a dispute.
To best represent your interests, I recommend consulting a traffic law attorney immediately after an accident. They can assist you in asserting your rights and provide legal advice to minimize potential consequences. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I hope that these tips are helpful to you and that you will be safer on the road in the future. If you have any further questions, please feel free to reach out to me.
Best regards,
Ben Bergmann
Traffic Law Attorney
