When a collision occurs—that is, an incident related to road traffic in which none of the participants suffer bodily injuries—the participants are not required to call the Police. This obligation exists only when an accident has resulted in casualties or occurred under circumstances suggesting that a crime has been committed, for example, causing a road collision while intoxicated.
People involved in a collision may settle the matter themselves if they jointly agree that the circumstances of the incident are beyond doubt. In such a case, the at-fault party is required to write a statement for the injured party (it is advisable to keep a suitable form in the car) and then report to the insurer with this statement, informing them about the incident.
However, the circumstances of an incident, or the participants’ assessment of them, are not always clear; in such a case, the Police should be called. Officers have the necessary qualifications and powers to resolve disputes of this kind.
In the event of a collision, the participants are obliged to remove the vehicles involved from the roadway without delay. This must not be done, however, if an accident has resulted in casualties. Sometimes it will not be possible to remove the vehicle; in that case, the driver is obliged to properly mark the scene of the incident. If possible, they must turn on the hazard lights and also place a warning triangle.
If the collision occurred on a motorway or expressway, the triangle should be placed 100 m from the immobilized vehicles. On other roads outside built-up areas, it should be placed 30 to 50 m from the vehicles.
When police officers arrive at the scene, they “take command.” Participants in the collision are absolutely required to follow the instructions issued by the officers.
The officers will determine who was responsible for the road incident. If the person identified does not agree with the officers’ assessment, they will refer the dispute to the court operating in the area where the collision occurred.