A road accident is a stressful situation that every driver can face. It is important to know the algorithm of actions in order to properly document the event, avoid legal problems and receive compensation from the insurance company. In this article, we will consider in detail what to do in the event of a road accident in Ukraine, how to act at the scene of the accident, when to call the police and how to receive insurance compensation.
1. First actions at the scene of the accident 🛑
If you are in a car accident, don't panic and follow this algorithm:
✅ Stop the car. – even if the accident is minor, leaving the scene of the accident is prohibited.
✅ Turn on the emergency alarm and install an emergency stop sign (20 m in the city and 40 m outside populated areas).
✅ Make sure there are no casualties. – if there are any injured people, call an ambulance immediately (☎️ 103).
✅ Do not move the car. – if there is no threat of further collisions, leave the cars at the scene of the accident.
2. When to call the police? 🚔
Calling the police is mandatory in the following cases:
❌ There are injuries or deaths.
❌ One of the participants in the accident is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
❌ Significant material damage was caused.
❌ The person responsible for the accident is trying to escape.
❌ Participants cannot agree on the culprit of the incident.
📞 How to call the police?
Dial ☎️ 102 and inform the dispatcher:
- Accident scene
- Number of participants
- Are there any victims?
- Are there any obstacles to movement?
The police must issue protocol and provide you with a copy of the accident diagram.
3. Is it possible to file a traffic accident without the police? ✍️
If there are no victims in the accident and the amount of damage does not exceed 80,000 UAH, you can use Europrotocol 📄.
📌 Conditions for drawing up a Europrotocol:
✔️ In an accident only two vehicles.
✔️ Drivers have a valid OSCPV policy.
✔️ Both participants agree on the circumstances of the accident.
The Europrotocol can be filled out on paper or in electronic form via the website 📱 epolis.mtsbu.ua.
4. Fixing the accident scene 📸
To avoid disputes and receive compensation, it is important to correctly record the circumstances of the accident:
📷 Take photos and videos – record the collision location, car damage, license plates, and road signs.
📝 Record the details of all participants – Full name, license plate number, contact details.
👀 Find witnesses – write down their contacts, this will help in case of disputes.
5. What to do after registering a traffic accident? 🔍
✅ If the police issued a report, get a copy and contact the insurance company.
✅ If you used a Europrotocol, transfer it to the insurance company within three days.
✅ If the car needs to be towed, call a tow truck.
✅ If necessary, contact lawyer to protect your rights.
6. How to get insurance compensation? 💰
If you have OSCPV (autocivil), the at-fault party's insurance company covers the victim's losses.
📌 Procedure:
1️⃣ Contact the insurance company within 3 days.
2️⃣ Submit documents:
- Passport and TIN
- Car registration certificate
- OSCPV policy
- Police protocol or Europrotocol
- Photos of car damage
3️⃣ Wait for the damage assessment.
4️⃣ Get a car payment or repair.
If the person at fault for the accident has no insurance, compensation can be obtained through the courts or MTIBU (Motor Transport Insurance Bureau of Ukraine).
7. Liability for traffic accidents ⚖️
📌 What is the risk to the person responsible for the accident?
🔹 Administrative responsibility – fines from 850 to 3400 UAH depending on the severity of the violation.
🔹 Criminal liability – if there are deaths or serious injuries, imprisonment for up to 10 years.
🔹 Civil liability – compensation for damages to victims.
8. How to avoid a traffic accident? 🚦
To avoid getting into an accident, follow these simple rules:
✅ Follow the speed limit.
✅ Be careful at pedestrian crossings.
✅ Keep a safe distance.
✅ Do not drive tired or intoxicated.
✅ Use seat belts and child seats.
🚗 Road safety is your responsibility!
Conclusion 🏁
If you are in a traffic accident, the most important thing is – don't panic, follow clear steps and file an accident report according to all the rules. Timely contacting the police and insurance company will help you avoid unnecessary problems and receive compensation for car damage.
🔹 Be careful while driving, and may the road be safe! 🛣️🚘
