A road accident can understandably cause panic, even though we need to assess the situation calmly. While it’s not easy, we must try to act with a clear head in such situations. In this article, we present all the important steps required for immediate actions following an accident. To ensure the best possible outcome, we will also cover how to correctly fill out the accident report form.
What is an accident report form and when should it be completed?
The accident report form, commonly referred to as the “blue-yellow form” based on its color, must be carried by every driver and must be completed whenever damage occurs as a result of a road accident. If the police are involved in handling the case, insurance companies will rely on the official police report.
However, if no police action is taken, the accident report form completed by the parties will be used during the claims process. That’s why it is critically important to fill it out correctly. But first, let’s look at the most urgent steps to take immediately after an accident.
What is the first thing to do after an accident?
Following an accident, the first and most important task is to attend to any personal injuries and save lives. A first aid kit is a mandatory accessory in vehicles, which we discussed in more detail in our previous blog post. If anyone requires medical attention, call emergency services immediately and follow the dispatcher’s instructions. Be sure to place a warning triangle to prevent further accidents. However, before doing any of this, put on a high-visibility vest, as Hungarian traffic regulations require it outside built-up areas when standing on the road or shoulder.
When should you call the police?
If no ambulance is needed but there is personal injury, calling the police is mandatory—even for minor injuries. Police involvement is also required if one of the parties was under the influence, lacks a valid driver’s license or insurance, or if no agreement can be reached between the parties. In cases where liability is strongly disputed, the accident report form alone is not sufficient.
When should the accident report form be completed?
The accident report form must be completed in cases where no personal injury occurred but there is damage to the vehicle. Since no police report is made in such cases, insurers will rely on this document during claims assessment.
Since the form does not serve as an admission of liability, in disputed situations two separate versions may be completed. However, if there is no agreement at all, it is advisable to call the police to ensure a fair outcome.
What should you pay attention to when filling out the accident report form?
The form is filled out at the scene, but in such a stressful situation it can be difficult to focus. That’s why it’s important to take a deep breath and approach the task calmly. It doesn’t matter which party fills out the form, but both parties must receive a copy.
Mistakes to avoid when completing the accident report form:
-
Illegible handwriting
-
In stressful situations like road accidents, it’s not easy to write neatly, but legibility helps avoid disputes and speeds up the process.
- Missing signatures
-
Both parties must sign the form; otherwise, it will not be valid.
-
- Incorrect data
-
Accurate data entry is critical. It’s better to fill it out slowly and carefully than incorrectly.
-
- Missing photos
-
It’s advisable to thoroughly photograph the accident scene and even record a video, as it provides a clearer picture of what happened. The more detailed the documentation, the easier it is to assess the situation. Dashcams are becoming increasingly common and can provide valuable footage of the moments before the accident. However, regulations regarding their use vary by country, so always check before traveling abroad.
-
- Incomplete sections
-
Although it seems obvious, a common mistake is leaving sections blank. Even if you are stressed or in a hurry, every field must be completed.
-
Pay special attention to these sections
- Witnesses section
Many people underestimate the importance of filling in witness details, but it can be crucial. One party may later change their statement, and witnesses can help clarify the situation. Avoid listing close relatives—choose a bystander or someone not involved in the accident but who saw what happened.
- Section 12
In this section, you must select from predefined traffic situations (e.g., parked, stopped, pulling out, etc.). Both drivers must mark the option that best applies. However, it’s often overlooked that the final row must also indicate how many boxes were checked. Without this, the other party could later alter your responses.
- Sketch of the accident scene
Many skip the drawing because they feel they can’t draw well, but this is a mistake. A simple sketch with a few lines showing the roads and positions of the vehicles is sufficient. Include street names, traffic signs, and arrows indicating the direction of travel.
- Remarks section
If this section is left blank, it creates an opportunity for the other party to add content without your knowledge. If you have no remarks, draw a line through it or write “no remarks.” This prevents later manipulation. If a statement is included, it’s advisable to sign it separately.
What if you don’t have an accident report form?
Even if you don’t have a paper form, you can still handle the situation using the free E-accident reporting app. However, unlike the app, the paper form never crashes, doesn’t require internet access, and doesn’t depend on a working phone.
What to do after completing the form?
After the accident, the person responsible has 5 days to report the damage to their insurer. The injured party has 30 days to do so. In case of CASCO insurance, repairs can begin, but you must still notify your insurer. After submitting the documents, you must wait for the insurance company to respond.
A correctly completed accident report form can speed up the process, so it’s worth paying close attention to accuracy and completeness.
If you don’t have this form in your vehicle, get one as soon as possible here. On behalf of the Convoy team, we wish you safe driving and hope you never need to fill out such documents.