2023-07-14 07:00:00
Last year the police registered around 2.4 million traffic accidents. That’s the equivalent of one every twelve seconds. Fortunately, for most of them there is only material damage. Nevertheless, the safety of those affected and that of other road users has top priority. The accident site must therefore be secured with hazard lights and warning triangles. And all vehicle occupants should, if possible, always have a high-visibility vest at hand and, for example, on motorways it is best to go behind the guardrail, advises the Society for Technical Monitoring.
The position of the warning triangle is chosen depending on the type of road: in urban areas, a distance of 50 meters from the scene of the accident is sufficient, on country roads it should be at least 100 meters, on motorways at least 200 meters. The distance can be easily measured on motorways at the side signal posts, which are 50 meters between each. The effect of the hazard warning lights can be increased in the dark by a yellow flashing or rotating light on the roof of the vehicle involved in the accident.
If there are injured people, they will be helped using the means of the vehicle first aid kit and the measures learned in the first aid course. If the consequences of an accident are more serious, this first aid is particularly important until the emergency services arrive. That’s why you should regularly refresh your knowledge, especially as a driver, recommends the GTÜ.
If people are trapped, a fire breaks out or fuel leaks, the fire department should be alerted. The control center guides the caller through all important questions and alerts the appropriate personnel. The emergency call 112 is also entered on the mobile phone without an area code – the location can be assigned to the correct control center via the respective radio cell. However, it is important to indicate the location of the accident as accurately as possible.
Whether the police are called to the accident depends on numerous factors. In addition to serious accidents with injured people, the traffic police should also be called in cases where a driver involved is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or of excessive speed. The same applies if vehicles registered abroad are involved in the incident, the other party in the accident cannot identify themselves or the accident is controversial or complex. Conversely, this means that you can only avoid calling the police in accidents with minor property damage and a clear course of events. In the event of a traffic accident, the police are also informed via the emergency number 110. In the case of minor accidents without injuries and without traffic disruptions, you can also contact the responsible police station via their local landline number in order to keep the emergency number free for real emergencies.
Recording the data of those involved in the accident and witnesses is important for later claims processing. The scene of the accident should also be documented. This is best done with overview and detailed photos, although you should pay attention to your own safety when taking photos. Checklists and forms for an accident report including an accident sketch can be helpful. Automobile clubs, for example, offer such documents for download on the Internet.
Of course, the insurance company must be informed following an accident. If a driver is clearly at fault, the accident costs are usually covered in full by their motor vehicle liability insurance. Claims for damages are therefore made directly to this insurance company. If there is contributory negligence on the part of the other driver involved, only part of the damage will be reimbursed.
A transparent and impartial assessment of the extent of the damage before a repair order is issued is carried out, for example, by freelance experts, such as those employed by GTÜ partner companies. A damage report estimates, among other things, the amount of repair costs and the reduction in value of the vehicle.
You have the right to choose your own workshop for repairs – this can also be an independent workshop. It is possible to arrange direct billing with the insurance company with the workshop. Before this assignment as security, a declaration of cost assumption from the insurance company should be obtained. There are restrictions on reimbursement if the accident damage exceeds the replacement value of the vehicle. If the repair costs are more than 30 percent higher than the replacement value, repairs are usually excluded. (aum)
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