I had an accident, now what? What should I do? Learn how to act step by step

A car accident is an unexpected and often stressful situation. Knowing exactly how to act can make all the difference to ensure your safety, comply with the law, and facilitate the process with the insurance company.

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Stay calm and secure the accident area

After an accident, the natural instinct is nervousness or even panic. However, it is essential to remain calm and act consciously.

• Turn on the hazard lights immediately;

• Put on the reflective vest before leaving the vehicle and place the warning triangle at least 30 meters away (on motorways, it is recommended to place it further away so it is visible in time);

• Never remain on the roadway (move to a safe area, such as the shoulder or behind the guardrail).

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Provide assistance to the injured

Portuguese law requires you to provide assistance.

• Call 112, stating the number of injured people, the exact location, and the type of accident;

• Never remove a victim from the vehicle unless there is a risk of fire or explosion;

• If you have first aid knowledge, you may apply it until medical teams arrive. Failure to provide assistance is a crime.

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Contact the authorities

Police presence is mandatory when there are injuries, disagreement between drivers, lack of valid documents, damage to public infrastructure, or suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. When there are no injuries and both parties agree, it is enough to fill in the European Accident Statement (DAAA).

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How to fill in the European Accident Statement

The DAAA must be filled in clearly and without erasures.

It is essential to include information such as:

• date;

• time;

• location;

• license plate number;

• insurance company;

• identification of drivers and witnesses.

Mark the circumstances, make a simple sketch, and only sign after confirming all the details. Each driver keeps a copy.

If there is no agreement, you should not sign and must call the authorities.

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Collect evidence at the scene

Take photos of:

• the position of the vehicles;

• skid marks;

• damages;

• road conditions and signage.

Also collect contacts of independent witnesses, which may be crucial in case of dispute.

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Report the accident to the insurer

The law establishes a maximum period of 8 working days to report the accident to the insurer. You must submit the DAAA or the police report and keep a copy of all documents sent. If the other party does not have valid insurance, the process will be referred to the Motor Guarantee Fund.

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What happens next

The insurer will schedule the vehicle inspection, determine liability, and authorize repairs at an authorized workshop. They may also inform you about compensation and provide a replacement vehicle, if included in the contract. If you disagree with the decision, you may appeal to CIMPAS (Insurance Information, Mediation and Arbitration Centre).

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Special situations

• On motorways: use SOS phones or your mobile, never cross the road, and stay behind the guardrail;

• Abroad: the DAAA is valid throughout the European Union. Confirm international coverage with your insurer and, if necessary, contact the Portuguese Green Card Bureau;

• Parked vehicle: if you damage a parked car, leave your contact details visible on the windshield. Fleeing is a crime of failure to render assistance.

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Mistakes to avoid

• Leaving the accident scene;

• Arguing or engaging in physical confrontation with other drivers;

• Signing the European Accident Statement without reviewing the details;

• Accepting verbal agreements without documentation;

• Not reporting the accident to the insurer because you think it was “something minor”.

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A car accident is never a pleasant experience, but acting correctly helps protect your safety, comply with the law, and ensure that the process with the insurer runs more quickly and fairly.

In summary: secure the area, provide assistance, fill in (or not) the DAAA as appropriate, collect evidence, and notify the insurer within the legal deadline. This way, you will always be better prepared to face any unforeseen event on the road.