What to Do If You Crash into Roadside Guardrails?
3 Answers
The driver should immediately stop the vehicle and report to the traffic police for handling after crashing into guardrails. Upon arrival, the traffic police will determine accident liability. Contact the insurance company. After the traffic police determine liability, the insurance company will accordingly pay compensation. Call a towing company to transfer the vehicle to a 4S shop or repair shop for parts repair, painting, and other work.
When accidentally hitting and damaging roadside guardrails while driving, my first reaction is to immediately pull over and turn on the hazard lights. Last winter, I encountered a similar situation on slippery roads when my tires skidded and hit a median barrier. Never drive away directly, as this would be considered hit-and-run and could lead to legal consequences. After getting out of the car, immediately place a triangular warning sign 50 meters behind the vehicle, especially at night to prevent secondary accidents. Then call the police to report the location and situation at the scene. Traffic police will arrive to determine liability and issue a report. Also remember to contact your insurance company. In my case, I had to pay over 8,000 yuan for guardrail repairs, but fortunately I had purchased vehicle damage insurance. After handling the situation, remember to check your vehicle's condition, as components like the suspension or headlights may have sustained collateral damage.
The key to handling such accidents is to remain calm. Once when I was driving late at night while fatigued and hit a guardrail, I was so flustered that I almost forgot the crucial steps. You must stop immediately to secure the scene and not move the vehicle, as it could affect liability determination. Call 122 right away to report the accident, detailing the extent of the guardrail damage and the specific road section. Remember to take photos from multiple angles for evidence, including close-ups and wide shots of the damaged guardrail—these photos are especially important for insurance claims. Compensation standards are based on local municipal pricing; for example, my friend had to pay 12,000 last month. Lastly, remind yourself to stay focused while driving in the future—distraction is too dangerous.
