What to do if you are involved in a car accident in the Czech Republic?

The absolute risk of a car accident on the roads is always present. Each European country has its own rules and regulations regarding some actions in the event of a car accident. As for the Czech Republic, the procedure is regulated by the Traffic Regulations. In this article, we will tell you what to do if you are involved in such an accident and if your car was damaged due to vandalism.

Procedure for actions in the event of a car accident in the Czech Republic

If you are involved in a car accident, you must follow a specific algorithm for your actions. We have described it in detail so you know exactly how to act in an unforeseen situation.

1. Stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident. Do not drive away from the scene so that the traffic control services can establish all the circumstances. Turn off the car engine and also turn on the hazard special lights.

2. Install an emergency stop sign. According to the Czech Traffic Regulations, an emergency stop sign is installed at least 100 meters from the accident scene on motorways or at least 50 meters on other roads. Any actions on the road can only be performed in a reflective vest.

3. If it is required, call the Czech rescue service. This can be done by dialing 112 or 155. Provide first aid, if you know how, to the victims.

4. Leave it as quickly as possible if a car accident occurs on a high-speed road. Move behind the guardrail on the right side of the road

5. Contact our company manager. The phone number is on the key fob. Tell him about the incident, and the specialist will provide all the necessary instructions.

6. If the car seriously interferes with the passage of other vehicles and needs to be moved, mark the accident site. Make marks with chalk, and take the necessary photos and videos from several angles. We will later provide all this information to the road control services and the insurance company.

7. Collect the accident participants' personal information and write down the vehicle details of the second participant in the accident. If the second participant in the car accident does not provide their data, report this to the police. Refusal to provide information is a violation of the law.

8. Obtain a document from the police confirming the accident. If it is vital, the law allows you to use the primary services of a lawyer and translator (if you are not a citizen of the Czech Republic).

After you have received all the necessary documents, provide them to our managers. This is necessary to contact the insurance company and receive compensation for damage.

Why is it necessary to call the police?

According to our company's car rental rules, in the event of a collision with other cars, customers must always immediately contact the police. Such actions are aimed at minimizing any risks and preventing possible problems due to the consequences of the accident. There are several examples of situations in which calling the police station is mandatory.

• If there are fatalities or injuries in the accident.

• If the damage exceeds CZK 100,000.

• If the other participants in the car accident could not resolve the issues themselves by filing the European protocol.

• If the second participant left the scene of the accident.

• Not only cars were damaged, but also the property of third parties (for example, a fence or road infrastructure).

• The accident led to consequences, such as traffic being blocked. For example, both cars cannot move under their own power and block the road.

It is also necessary to call the police officers if the accident causes environmental damage. For example, if the accident occurred near a body of water, motor oil, fuel, antifreeze, etc., got into the water.

Regardless of the situation that occurred on the road, and regardless of the guilty party, our clients should always contact the police and also report the collision to us.

What to do if the vehicle is damaged as a result of vandalism?

Vandalism is rare in the Czech Republic, but anything can happen. The damage can be different. If it is minor (for example, a dent or scratch), it is unnecessary to call the police station. You must report the incident to the landlord if you get a rented car. In this case, the damage will be covered by the deposit. If the act of vandalism was intentional and the damage is significant, you must contact the police. If the car is rented, the responsibility for calling the road services falls on the lessee. The sooner you report it to the police, the greater the chance the special insurance will cover the damage.