[Legal Tips] If you unfortunately encounter a traffic accident, what should you do first?
If you encounter a traffic accident in Hong Kong, you should remain calm and protect yourself and others. In detail Processing steps:
1. Ensure safety
- Stop : Stop the vehicle immediately in a safe location and turn on the double yellow warning lights.
- Check for injuries : Check yourself, your passengers, and other people involved in the accident for any injuries.
- Avoid moving the injured : Do not move the injured unless there is an immediate danger (such as fire).
2. Call the police and seek help
- Serious accident (injury/death/serious property damage/traffic obstruction): call 999 immediately to report the accident.
- Minor accident (no one is injured): Both parties can handle the matter on their own after recording the information in a safe environment, but if there is a dispute, it is recommended to call the police.
3. Protect evidence at the scene
- Do not move the vehicle : Do not move the vehicle involved unless it affects traffic safety.
- Take photos and record : Use your mobile phone to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, etc.
- Record information : Write down the time and location of the accident, information about the vehicle involved (license plate, model), contact information of the other driver, and insurance information.
4. Exchange of information
- Exchange information : Exchange name, contact number, license plate number, insurance company name and policy number with the other driver.
5. Find witnesses
- Collect witness information : If there are any witnesses, ask them to leave contact information in case they are needed to testify in the future.
6. Notify the insurance company
- Notify as soon as possible : Notify your insurance company within 24 hours, providing details and evidence of the accident.
7. Cooperate with the police investigation
- Providing information : If the police arrive at the scene, you must actively cooperate with the investigation and provide the required information.
- Request for police report number : Write down the police report number and the responsible police officer’s information.
8. Follow up medical treatment and repair
- Medical examination : If you feel unwell, you should seek medical attention immediately and keep the medical certificate.
- Repairing the vehicle : If repairs are required, the insurance company’s consent must be obtained first.
Special Notes:
- Never try to settle privately with the other party and leave the scene without calling the police, as this will make it difficult to hold someone accountable if there is a dispute later.
- Do not obstruct traffic or endanger the safety of other road users.
