How to Handle a Car Accident in Spain
Being involved in a traffic accident is a stressful and confusing experience. There are a lot of things to do and think about, and it can be hard to know where to start.
If you are involved in a traffic accident, the first thing you should do is stay calm. It is natural to feel shaken up after an accident, but it is important to stay calm so you can make good decisions.
Once you have had a chance to collect yourself, you should take the following steps:
1. Check for injuries
If anyone is injured, call 112 immediately
2. Exchange information
Exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. This includes your name, insurance information, time, date and location if you can, and the make and model of the other vehicle.
You should also take pictures of the scene of the accident which include both cars, when possible.
3. Get the registration number
Make sure you have the registration number of the other vehicle.
4. Move your vehicle if necessary
Move your vehicle to a safe location if possible.
5. Get contact details
If there are any witnesses, get their contact information.
6. Alert the police
If more than two vehicles are involved or anybody is injured, then immediately call the police and wait for them to deal with the situation.
7. File your claim
File an insurance claim with your insurance agent, which must be done in the first 7 days after the accident.
Here are some more tips to help you stay calm and get through a car accident in Spain
If you’re ever involved in a traffic accident, it’s important to know what to do.
Stay calm and assess the situation
The first thing to do is stay calm. It’s natural to feel shaken up after an accident, but it’s important to stay focused so you can make good decisions.
Once you’ve had a chance to collect yourself, take a look around and assess the situation. Are there any injuries? Is there any damage to property? If so, who is involved?
Call the police.
If there are any injuries, you should call the police immediately.
They will make a report, which will be made available to the insurance companies and will be used when the deciding responsibilities.
Even if there are no injuries, but the accident is serious or there is damage to property it’s a good idea to call the police.
Exchange information with the other driver(s).
Once the police have arrived, they will document all the details of the accident.
Their report is very important as it will determine how the accident occurred and each driver’s responsibility.
Get medical attention if you are injured.
Even if you don’t feel injured, it’s a good idea to get checked out by a doctor after a traffic accident.
Sometimes, injuries don’t show up right away.
IMPORTANT: If you do have any injuries, be sure to document them with medical records.
File an insurance claim
Once you’ve taken care of any immediate needs, you will need to file an insurance claim.
Your insurance agent will organise for you to take your vehicle to a garage and have an adjuster to inspect your vehicle and determine the amount of damage.
Get help from a lawyer if needed
If you feel the outcome of the process done by the two insurance companies finds you are at fault, or simply the level of reparation you feel is not adequate you can always use the services of a private lawyer to protect your interests as you see fit.
Being involved in a traffic accident is a stressful experience.
But by following these steps, you can make the process a little bit easier.
FAQ
Having the right car insurance in Spain certainly helps, but here are some of questions about car accidents that we often receive at InsuranceAgents.es
What Should I do if I am injured in a car accident?
If you are injured in a car accident, you should do the following:
- Stay at the scene of the accident.
- Exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
- Report the accident to the police.
- Seek medical attention if you are injured.
- File an insurance claim with your insurance agent.
Who should I call after a traffic accident in Spain?
If there are any injuries, you should call 112 immediately.
If there are no injuries, you can call your insurance agent, but it is not a requirement to call the Police.
If as a result of the accident your vehicle can not be driven, then you have to call the roadside assistance number from your insurance company.
They will move your vehicle to where you request, usually a repair garage.
Do I need to exchange information with the other driver?
- The most important piece of information you need is the registration number of the other party, a photo of the front of the other vehicle will suffice.
- Also, if you are able to take two or three more photos at a distance of the scene of the accident and if possible before the vehicles are moved.
What do I do if I am injured in a traffic accident?
If you are injured in a traffic accident, you should go to emergencies immediately.
Even if you don’t feel injured, it is a good idea to get checked out by a doctor.
Sometimes, injuries don’t show up right away. Keep the certificate they will produce.
What if I am not at fault in a traffic accident?
If you are not at fault in a traffic accident, you should still file an insurance claim with your insurance agent.
Your insurance companies will then work together and determine who is at fault and which company will pay for the damages.
What is the process for filing an insurance claim for a car accident in Spain?
The process for filing an insurance claim will vary depending on your insurance agents. It must be done not more than 7 days after the incident.
Call your insurance agent as soon as you can and make an appointment to visit him. They will take all the details of the accident and process the claim.
It will be through your agent that the whole process takes place.
What are my rights after a traffic accident?
If you are involved in a traffic accident, you have certain rights. These rights include:
- The right to compensation for damages.
- The right to be towed to a garage of your choice, where your vehicle will be repaired.
- The right to receive all the information regarding the valuation of the damage and the resolution of the claim.
- The right to be compensated for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- The right to know about any agreements reached by your insurer with third parties.
- The right to lodge complaints and claims against your insurer.
What are my responsibilities after a traffic accident?
If you are involved in a traffic accident, you have certain responsibilities. These responsibilities include:
- The responsibility to stay at the scene of the accident
- The responsibility to exchange information with the other driver(s) involved in the accident
- The responsibility to report the accident to your insurance agent
- The responsibility to cooperate with any police investigation
What are the penalties for causing a traffic accident?
The penalties for causing a traffic accident will vary depending on the severity of the accident.
In some cases, you may be fined, your license may be suspended, or you may even be jailed.
What are the laws regarding traffic accidents in Spain?
The laws regarding traffic accidents in Spain are rigorous. If you are involved in a traffic accident, from which a legal situation arises then you need a lawyer and best to look for an independent one, rather than the legal aid an insurance company may provide.
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