A road traffic accident is always a stressful situation. Especially if you are driving in an unfamiliar city or a rental car. It is important to know the proper steps to ensure people's safety, correctly document the accident and avoid problems with the insurance company. In this article, the REIZ Car Rental team has prepared a detailed guide on what to do after a road accident in Ukraine.
1. Stop the Vehicle Immediately
If an accident has occurred:
- Stop the vehicle
- Turn on the hazard lights
- Do not move the vehicle until the circumstances are documented
Moving the vehicle may complicate determining the cause of the accident.
2. Check for Injuries
First of all, check whether anyone is injured.
If there are injured people:
- Call an ambulance — 103
- Call the police — 102
- If possible, provide first aid
Remember: people's lives and health are more important than any material damage.
3. Set Up the Warning Triangle
According to Ukrainian traffic rules, the driver must set up a warning triangle:
- 20 metres from the vehicle — in an urban area
- 40 metres — outside urban areas
This will help prevent a secondary accident.
4. Call the Police or Fill Out a European Protocol
In Ukraine, an accident can be documented in two ways.
When to Call the Police
You must call the police if:
- There are injured people
- The drivers cannot agree on the circumstances of the accident
- One of the drivers is under the influence of alcohol
- More than two vehicles are damaged
- Public property is damaged (fences, road signs, etc.)
Police phone number — 102.
When You Can Use the European Protocol
The European Protocol allows you to document an accident without the police.
It is possible when:
- There are no injured people
- Only two vehicles are involved
- Both drivers have valid insurance policies
- The drivers agree on the circumstances of the accident
The European Protocol can be filled out:
- On paper
- Through the MTIBU online system
5. Document the Accident Scene
Before moving the vehicles from the road, you need to take photos or videos.
It is recommended to document:
- General view of the accident scene
- Vehicle damage
- Licence plates
- Road markings
- Road signs
- Braking marks
This will help the insurance company process the claim faster.
6. Exchange Information with the Other Driver
You need to record:
- Full name of the driver
- Phone number
- Insurance policy number
- Vehicle make and registration number
- Insurance company name
It is also advisable to photograph:
- Driver's licence
- Vehicle registration certificate
- Insurance policy
7. Notify the Insurance Company
Usually, the insurance company must be notified within 3 business days after the accident.
Prepare:
- Driver's documents
- Vehicle documents
- Insurance policy
- Photos from the accident scene
8. What to Do If the Accident Involves a Rental Car
If you are driving a rental car, for example from REIZ Car Rental, you need to:
- Ensure safety at the accident scene
- Call the police or fill out the European Protocol
- Take photos of the damage
- Immediately notify the rental company manager
Properly fill out the documents
Contact the insurance company
Arrange further steps
Useful Emergency Phone Numbers
The following numbers are used in Ukraine:
- Police — 102
- Ambulance — 103
- Rescue service — 101
- Unified emergency number — 112
Conclusion
The most important thing in an accident is to act calmly and consistently. Following the rules will help you avoid additional problems and resolve the situation with the insurance company faster.
If you rent a car from REIZ, our team is always ready to help you in any situation on the road.
FAQ
- You need to stop the vehicle, turn on the hazard lights, check for injuries and set up the warning triangle.
- When there are no injuries, only two vehicles are involved, both drivers have insurance and agree on the circumstances of the accident.
- No. If the damage is minor and the European Protocol conditions are met, you do not need to call the police.
- Usually, the insurance company must be notified within three business days after the accident.