What to Do When a Vehicle Collision Occurs?
2 Answers
Here are the steps to follow after a car collision: 1. After a collision between vehicles, if it is clearly the other party's fault, inform them directly and negotiate the repair process. If the other party refuses to take responsibility, avoid excessive arguments and call the police immediately to report the situation. 2. If the road conditions are relatively clear and the collision location does not obstruct traffic, turn on the hazard lights and place warning triangles behind both vehicles. 3. Take photos of the accident scene immediately: two close-ups (clearly showing the damaged areas of both vehicles) and two wide-angle shots (clearly capturing the front and rear views of the collision, including license plates and damage). 4. After taking photos, move the vehicles to avoid obstructing traffic, as blocking the road may result in fines. Both vehicles can park in the nearest available spot. 5. Once traffic police arrive, they will inspect the scene and issue a quick liability determination form. Follow their instructions, provide details, and sign the accident report after reviewing it. Present your driver's license and vehicle registration. 6. The at-fault party should contact their insurance company to send an adjuster to assess the damage. The other party's vehicle will be assessed and repaired directly by a 4S shop, while the at-fault party's vehicle will be assessed by the adjuster and then repaired at a designated 4S shop. 7. After completing the above steps, the at-fault party's insurance will cover the repair costs for the other vehicle. However, the at-fault party must pay upfront and later submit the repair invoices (for both vehicles) to the insurance company for reimbursement.
Once a collision occurs, the first priority is to ensure everyone's safety. I immediately pull over to the side of the road and turn on the hazard lights to prevent secondary accidents. Next, I check for any injuries, and if there are emergencies, I call the emergency number 120. Then, I move the vehicle to a safe location and place a triangular warning sign 50 to 100 meters behind. I document the scene details, such as taking photos of the collision angle, damaged parts of the vehicle, and environmental landmarks. These steps are the most critical because safety always comes first, and rash actions must be avoided to prevent escalating the danger. Finally, I contact the traffic police at 122 to report the incident and wait for the authorities to handle the situation before inspecting the vehicle's condition. Experience tells me that every step is related to life, so it's essential to proceed steadily and not rush.
