Being involved in a car accident can be a disturbing and confusing experience, especially if you are a tourist in a foreign country like Croatia. The key is to stay calm and follow the essential steps and legal requirements to ensure everyone’s safety and compliance with local laws. Here’s a guide to help you navigate this challenging situation:
Take care of safety
First of all, check if anyone is injured. If necessary, call 112. It is vitally important not to move injured people unless there is immediate danger, as this could make their injuries worse.
Secure the venue
To prevent further accidents, turn on your vehicle’s hazard lights. If you have a warning triangle, place it at an appropriate distance to warn oncoming traffic. Make sure you’ve pulled off the road safely.
Document the accident
Record the scene of the accident, including any vehicles involved, number plates and any relevant road signs or markings. This will be crucial for insurance claims and legal proceedings.
Exchange of information
Exchange of names, addresses, vehicle registration numbers and insurance information with other involved parties. If there are witnesses, try to get their contact information as well.
Notify the police
In Croatia, it is mandatory to report to the police every traffic accident involving injured persons or major material damage. They will document the scene and compile a report that is required for insurance.
Your vehicle was damaged in the parking lot or in the garage: Can you be charged?
The police have the authority to request footage from surveillance cameras, i.e. to receive eyewitness testimony about the color, make, type of the vehicle that caused the damage, or ideally about the vehicle’s license plate number
Contact your insurance company
Notify your insurance provider of the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with all information collected and the police report.
The Croatian Insurance Office points out that the deadline for submitting a reasoned offer for compensation, i.e. a substantiated answer, is prescribed by the Directive on compulsory motor vehicle insurance. Most of the member states of the European Union have implemented, in their own national legislation, a provision on a three-month period for resolving such compensation claims.
May a vehicle with foreign license plates leave the Republic of Croatia before guilt is established, if there are no damages on the foreign vehicle that are dangerous for further traffic of the vehicle?
Several factors influence the procedure in such situations. The most important thing is to determine whether it is a traffic accident in which only material or property damage occurred, or whether it is an accident with injured persons or fatal consequences. It should be established whether the foreign citizen has committed a misdemeanor or a criminal offense, and the fact whether the foreigner is a citizen of a member state of the European Union or the driver comes from outside the EU also plays an important role.
Seek legal advice
If the accident is serious or if you are unsure about the legal process, consider consulting with a local car accident attorney.
Follow up on all medical treatments if injuries are involved and stay in touch with your insurance company to make sure all necessary documents are submitted for your claim.
Be aware of all the cultural nuances in Croatia that could affect the situation. Respect and patience can go a long way in such circumstances.
Life is simpler with a helmet.
Even if you caused the traffic accident, the comprehensive insurance will cover the damage to your car, in addition to an already bad situation, at least you won’t have to think about finances.
Therefore, we advise contracting a helmet and travel insurance.
Remember, the key is to stay calm, prioritize safety, and follow these steps diligently. This approach will help you manage the situation effectively and ensure that all legal and insurance issues are handled correctly.