By FZ Abschleppdienst, Korntal-Münchingen. Last updated:
In short
First secure the accident scene, look after anyone who is hurt and call 112 if someone is injured. Stay at the scene, take photos, note the details of everyone involved and do not sign any admission of fault. If your car can no longer be driven, call a towing service.
1. Secure the accident scene
Before you do anything else, protect yourself and others from further collisions:
- Switch on your hazard lights
- Put on your hi-vis vest before you get out
- Set up the warning triangle at a sufficient distance, much further back on the motorway than in built-up areas
- On motorways and country roads, go behind the crash barrier
2. Look after the injured, call for help
If anyone is injured, call 112 immediately and give first aid as best you can. You can reach the police on 110. Always call them if anyone is injured, if there is major damage, if the people involved cannot agree or if you suspect alcohol or drugs.
3. Stay at the scene
Anyone who leaves the scene of an accident without allowing the necessary details to be established commits a criminal offence. This also applies to minor damage, for example to a parked car. Stay until details have been exchanged or the police have been.
4. Collect evidence and details
Record as much as you can while everything is still in place:
- Photos of the accident scene, the vehicles, the damage and the number plates
- Name, address and insurer of the other party
- Names and phone numbers of witnesses
- Location, time, direction of travel and weather
5. Do not sign an admission of fault
Do not sign anything at the scene in which you admit fault, even if you are unsure. You can record together what happened in an accident report. The question of fault is settled by the insurers and, if necessary, by lawyers.
If you do not know the other party's insurer, the German insurers' central helpline (Zentralruf der Autoversicherer) can help on 0800 250 260 0.
6. Have the vehicle towed
If your car can no longer be driven or is no longer roadworthy, call a towing service. We recover and tow your vehicle, store it at our secure yard in Korntal and, on request, arrange a vehicle assessor and a lawyer.
7. Inform your insurer
Report the accident to your own insurer promptly, even if it was not your fault. The deadlines are set out in your policy terms, usually one week.