How should I behave in case of an accident abroad?
August 16, 2023 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Jessica Lange
Dear lawyer,
I am Babette Ullmann and I have a question regarding traffic law. Last week, I had a car accident while on vacation abroad and I am unsure how to properly handle this situation.
The situation was as follows: I was driving on a country road when suddenly a vehicle came from the left and hit me on the side. Fortunately, no one was injured, but both vehicles suffered significant damage. Since I have never had an accident abroad before, I was completely overwhelmed and did not know what to do.
The current situation is that the police were at the scene of the accident and took a report. I have the contact information of the other driver, but we could not agree on fault. My car is no longer drivable and I do not know how to proceed.
My concerns are that I do not know how to communicate with the insurance company and if I am entitled to compensation. Additionally, I am worried about potential legal consequences as I am not familiar with traffic rules abroad.
Therefore, my question to you is: How should I handle an accident abroad? What steps do I need to take now to protect my interests and settle the damage? Are there specific deadlines I need to be aware of, and what documents are required?
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Best regards,
Babette Ullmann
Dear Ms. Ullmann,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the car accident abroad. It is understandable that you may feel unsure in this situation, as it can often be difficult to know the correct steps to take, especially when it comes to traffic laws in another country. I will now provide you with detailed information on how to properly handle this situation.
Firstly, it is positive to mention that the police were at the scene of the accident and have created an accident report. This is an important documentation that can serve as evidence for the accident. It is advisable to keep a copy of this report for your records.
Since you have the contact information of the other driver, it is important that you reach out to them to clarify the settlement of damages. If you could not agree on assigning fault, you should not admit fault on your own. It is best to have the question of fault checked by a lawyer to ensure that your interests are protected.
When it comes to communication with the insurance company, it is important that you report the accident as soon as possible. Inform your insurance company about the incident and submit all relevant information, such as the accident report, photos of the damages, and contact information of the other driver. Your insurance company will then handle the settlement of damages for you.
Regarding claims for damages, it is advisable to seek advice from a lawyer. Depending on the circumstances of the accident and the laws in the country where the accident occurred, different claims can be made. A lawyer can help you enforce your claims and regulate the damage appropriately.
In terms of legal consequences, it is important that you abide by the traffic rules abroad. If you are unsure about which rules apply, it is best to inform yourself beforehand before driving. However, if you did not cause the accident grossly negligently, there should be no serious legal consequences to fear.
Regarding deadlines, it is important that you adhere to the respective deadlines for settling damages. Inquire with your insurance company about the deadlines that must be met to make claims.
In summary, it is important that you gather all relevant information, communicate with the insurance company, and seek legal advice if necessary to protect your interests and settle the damage. If you have further questions or need legal assistance, I am happy to help.
Best regards,
Jessica Lange, Attorney at Law
