Mistake 1. Forget your own safety
When a minor collision happens, the danger often extends beyond the hit vehicle. Victims and bystanders can be struck by oncoming traffic or encounter other hazards in the area. After an incident, the first step is to activate the alarm and secure the scene. Apply the parking brake, even if the vehicle is on level ground. Wear a reflective vest to improve visibility. Set up an emergency warning sign at a safe distance: 15 meters in urban streets and 30 meters on highways. While inspecting the vehicle, stay alert for the possibility of fire or fuel leakage, and move to a safer spot if needed.
Mistake 2. Take the victim home / to a first aid station yourself
Drivers often offer to transport an injured person to a hospital themselves or request that family members do it. It is essential to call emergency services right away. Even in cases where the person seems only mildly hurt, medical evaluation may be necessary, and delays can be critical.
Shock can dull pain and impair judgment. Medical teams need to assess the circumstances of the incident, and a clear record helps establish what happened. Acting on assumptions or trying to prove innocence later can complicate investigations and potentially affect liability.
Mistake 3. Negotiate verbally at the scene
Small scrapes on a car can feel trivial in the heat of the moment. The impulse to settle the matter immediately on site is common, but it carries risks. The other party might later change their position and report the incident, which could lead to penalties for leaving the scene or failing to provide required details.
To protect everyone, exchange basic information and obtain a written acknowledgment of the incident that includes the date, time, location, and a brief description of the damage. It is prudent for both drivers to sign this document and to include contact details and insurance information. Taking extensive photographs from multiple angles, capturing braking distances, road markings, signs, and vehicle damage, creates a detailed record that can prevent later disputes.
Mistake 4. Avoid proper documentation with a rushed European-style protocol
If damage appears limited and all parties agree, it may be tempting to file a simplified report without police involvement. However, filling out any form hastily can jeopardize compensation later. Attention to accuracy matters. Each field should be completed, and the circumstances of the crash should be described with clarity, including weather, surface conditions, lighting, and road layout. The accident map should accurately mark street names, signs, directions, and any objects or vehicles that bear on the case.
Careful documentation helps ensure that the record reflects what occurred and supports a fair settlement. It is wise to verify that the reported details align with physical evidence and witness statements, and to refrain from leaving any blanks that could be filled later with uncertain information.
Mistake 5. Attempting to influence the recording of the accident
It is important to present one’s perspective clearly to the authorities. Recognize that inspectors are human and can overlook or misinterpret details. Review the protocol to confirm that it accurately reflects road and surface conditions, weather, braking distances, traffic signals, and the positions of vehicles and objects involved. If there is a discrepancy, note it within the report and request a correction. Never sign incomplete or blank documents, as that can create lasting problems later.