'What to Do After a Car Accident in Germany: Steps to Take, Police,

After a traffic accident in Germany, the most important thing is not to argue on the road, but to quickly follow these basic steps: stop, turn on your hazard lights, secure the scene, assist the injured, call 112 and the Polizei if necessary, record the details of those involved, and report the incident to your insurance company. This procedure is important even in the case of a minor scratch: incorrect actions can complicate the insurance claim process and lead to charges of leaving the scene of an accident.

According to the latest available annual data from Destatis for 2024, the police recorded fewer traffic accidents and casualties than the previous year, but we are still talking about millions of incidents and thousands of fatalities. Therefore, it is helpful for drivers to know the proper steps to take in advance, rather than having to recall them in a stressful situation after an accident. Basic first aid skills are typically covered at when obtaining or renewing a driver’s license in Germany, but they should be refreshed periodically.

A Brief Guide to What to Do After an Accident

1. Stop and remain at the scene of the accident.
2. Turn on your hazard lights and put on a safety vest.
3. Place your hazard lights on so that other drivers have time to slow down.
4. Check for injured people and provide first aid to the best of your ability.
5. In case of injuries, fire hazard, a roadblock, or a serious accident, call 112.
6. Call the Polizei if there are injuries, a dispute over fault, suspicion of alcohol or drug use, significant damage, damage to someone else’s property with the owner not present, a rental car, or a party involved without clear insurance coverage.
7. Record the license plate numbers, personal information of those involved, and details of any witnesses, and take photos of the accident scene.
8. Do not sign any documents that you do not understand or with which you do not agree.
9. Report the accident to your insurance company within the time frame specified in your policy.

When You Can Do Without the Police

In the case of a minor traffic accident with no injuries, the police are usually not required if the parties involved agree on who caused the damage and what was damaged, the documents and insurance are in order, and the vehicles can be safely moved off the road. In such a situation, the parties can fill out an accident report, exchange contact information, and submit the documents to their insurers.

In your report and notes for the insurance company, be sure to include:

• the date, time, and exact location of the accident;
• information about the drivers and vehicle owners;
• vehicle registration numbers and insurance information;
• a brief description of the injuries;
• a diagram or photographs of the vehicles’ positions;
• Contact information for witnesses, if any.

Do not admit fault in any document if you are unsure of the circumstances. Neutral wording such as “description of the incident” is usually sufficient; the final assessment is made by the insurance company, and in disputed cases, by a lawyer or a court.

When It’s Best to Call the Polizei Immediately

Calling the police is recommended or practically necessary if the situation goes beyond a simple scratch. This is especially true in cases where:

• someone is injured or complaining of pain;
• If you suspect alcohol, drugs, aggressive behavior, or a staged accident;
• the parties involved disagree on the circumstances of the accident;
• the other driver refuses to provide their information;
• the other party does not have insurance, or their documents appear suspicious;
• the vehicle is a rental, a company car, or part of a car-sharing service;
• Road barriers, traffic signs, another person’s parked car, or other property have been damaged;
• The accident is obstructing traffic or posing a danger to others.

If you’ve hit a parked car, you can’t just leave a note under the windshield wiper and drive away. You must wait a reasonable amount of time for the owner, and if they do not show up, report the incident to the nearest police station or call the local police number. Otherwise, the situation may be classified as unerlaubtes Entfernen vom Unfallort—that is, leaving the scene of an accident unlawfully under § 142 StGB.

How to Secure the Scene of an Accident

First, think about safety, and only then about taking photos or arguing over who is at fault. Turn on your hazard lights, put on a high-visibility vest, and set up the warning triangle. In the city, the warning triangle is usually placed closer to the accident site; on rural roads, farther away; and on the autobahn, the distance should be significantly greater so that approaching vehicles have time to react.

If the accident occurred around a bend, on an incline, or in a spot with poor visibility, a warning sign is placed before the hazardous section. Do not stand between vehicles and do not step onto the roadway unless necessary.

First Aid and Calling 112

If there are injured people, call the emergency services at 112. It is important to quickly tell the operator:

• Where the accident occurred: road, direction, nearest exit, town, or landmark;
• What happened: a collision, a hit-and-run, an overturned vehicle, a fire, or people trapped;
• How many injured people can you see?;
• What injuries or symptoms are visible;
• Who to call and what number to call back.

Do not hang up first: the operator may need to clarify details and provide instructions. Provide first aid only within the limits of your knowledge and without creating additional danger to yourself or others. In Germany, failure to provide assistance in a situation where help is necessary and reasonably possible is punishable under § 323c StGB.

What to Document for Insurance

Once the accident scene is safe and the injured are being assisted, gather evidence. Take photos of the general scene, the positions of the vehicles, skid marks, traffic signs, damage, and documents. Write down the contact information of any witnesses. If the police are filing a report, note the case number or the department handling the case.

Do not conceal evidence of the accident or move the vehicles until the circumstances have been documented, unless the vehicles pose a hazard or are causing a traffic jam and can be safely moved after photos have been taken. If necessary, mark the position of the vehicles on the road before moving them.

Report and Signatures

A police report or accident notification can affect the subsequent settlement. Only sign what you understand. If a document in German raises doubts, it’s better to indicate that you disagree or cannot assess the content without a translation than to sign a controversial admission of guilt.

The police document the circumstances but do not always make a final decision on the civil law issue of compensation for damages. Insurance companies and, in the event of a dispute, the court may assess the situation separately.

Notifying the Insurance Company

You must report the accident to your auto insurance company as soon as possible, following the terms of your policy. This is especially important for the at-fault driver: a delayed notification can lead to coverage issues. It is also often helpful for the injured party to notify their own insurance company to receive instructions and prepare for communication with the other party’s insurer.

If the damage is significant, you may need an independent Kraftfahrzeug-Sachverständiger. Do not agree to an assessment or repair if the insurance procedure is unclear: first clarify who is paying for the expert assessment, towing, a replacement vehicle, and repairs.

If a dispute arises

After a traffic accident, disputes may arise regarding fault, the extent of damage, hidden damage, injuries, or an increase in your insurance class. In such cases, it makes sense to consult an independent attorney specializing in traffic law (Verkehrsrecht). If you have legal expense insurance (Rechtsschutzversicherung), check whether it covers traffic accidents and what steps you need to coordinate before consulting a lawyer.

Do not rely solely on advice from the other party or their insurance company. Their job is to settle the claim, but not necessarily to protect your interests.

FAQ

Can you drive away after a minor accident?

This is only possible after the parties involved have exchanged information, documented the circumstances, and there is no reason to call the police. If the owner of the damaged property is not present, you should wait a reasonable amount of time and then report the incident to the police.

Should you admit fault at the scene?

No. You can describe the facts and the damage, but do not sign an admission of guilt if the circumstances are unclear.

Who to call in case of injuries?

In case of injuries, a life-threatening situation, a fire, or any other dangerous situation, call 112. You should also call the police if there is a dispute, a violation of the law, or significant damage.

What should a foreigner do if they don’t speak German well?

Let the operator or the police know that you need English or a translation. Do not sign any documents until you fully understand their content. In complex cases, it is best to seek legal assistance.