What to do in the event of a road traffic accident (RTA)?

At Trusti, we understand that being involved in a car accident can be a stressful situation. According to global statistics, around 1.24 million people die in car accidents. Even careful and responsible driving sometimes leads to traffic incidents. That’s why we recommend renewing your “Civil Liability” insurance annually to stay protected from potential financial losses. You can read more about “Civil Liability” insurance and how to check its validity in our article, “Comprehensive Guide to Checking the Validity of Civil Liability Insurance.”

Steps to follow

Stay calm and assess the situation:
First and foremost, take a deep breath and remain composed. Remember, being systematic is crucial in these situations. Assess the situation and ensure that you and the other participants are in a safe place.

Check for injuries and seek medical help:

In the event of a car accident, it is important to check yourself and others for possible injuries. If there are serious injuries, immediately seek medical assistance. Even if there are no visible injuries, it’s advisable to seek medical help to rule out any internal damage. If someone is trapped in the car, tell them not to move, and don’t attempt to free them. Wait for the competent authorities to arrive at the scene.

Secure the accident scene:
Turn on your hazard lights to warn other drivers. Secure the accident area with a reflective triangle—30 meters away for urban areas and 100 meters away for non-urban areas.

It’s recommended not to smoke near the accident scene or use any ignition sources (lighters, matches, etc.), as there could be uncontrolled fuel leaks.

Contact 112:
If the RTA involves serious damage, call 112 and provide the necessary information. Be ready to answer questions: Who, What, Why? Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you it’s safe to hang up.

Take photos or videos of the accident:
If possible, while waiting for the authorities and if the situation allows, take photos or video of the accident scene. Capture the position of the involved vehicles, visible damages, and the surrounding conditions. These visuals can be valuable during the insurance claim process.

Exchange information with the other party:
Exchange contact and insurance information with the other party involved in the accident. You will need to fill out a joint damage protocol, provided by your insurance company when you purchase your policy.

We have prepared a sample joint damage protocol that you can download from HERE. Make sure to print it and keep it in your car for emergencies.

Note: The at-fault driver in a “Civil Liability” insurance policy is not covered for damages. In these cases, a “Comprehensive” insurance policy is required.

You can read more about how to file an insurance claim in our blog article, “How to File a Civil Liability Insurance Claim?“

Seek legal advice if necessary:
In complex cases or disputes over fault or compensation, consider seeking legal advice. An experienced lawyer will help protect your rights and ensure fair treatment throughout the process.

Follow up with medical treatment:
“Civil Liability” insurance covers the insured person’s responsibility for causing property and non-property damages to third parties. If the innocent driver sustains injuries requiring extended treatment, it is necessary to keep all related documents (e.g., medical records, prescriptions). This documentation is crucial for reimbursement from the insurance company.

Review your insurance coverage:
Check your insurance policy to understand your coverage limits and whether you have a “Deductible” clause. Pay attention to any exclusions and conditions that may affect your claim. If you have any questions or concerns, contact your insurance broker for clarification.

Be mindful of deadlines:
Observe the deadlines set by your insurance company. If the innocent driver does not submit the joint protocol to the insurer within the specified period, the insurance claim could be rejected. Stay organized and keep track of important dates.

Traffic Accidents Outside Bulgaria

The steps listed above apply to accidents within Bulgaria! For accidents in another EU country or a country whose national insurance bureau is part of the “Green Card” system, you must:

• Call the number provided by your insurance company in your policy and provide details about the accident.
• Contact the local authorities.
• Provide your “Green Card.”

Conclusion

Following the steps after being involved in a car accident can be overwhelming and confusing. Thanks to Trusti, your trusted insurance partner, you can handle the situation with confidence and calm. Follow the steps outlined in this article to ensure your safety on the road, protect your rights, and effectively navigate the insurance claim process.

Remember, Trusti is here to keep you informed with up-to-date and important insurance and road safety information, so you can make informed decisions. We make the insurance process easy, secure, and transparent, so if you need car insurance, don’t forget to use our online Civil Liability insurance calculator.

Drive smart!