What to do after an accident? The 7 most important steps

Turn on your hazard lights, set up the warning triangle, and — if possible — put on a safety vest before getting out. Secure the accident scene far enough ahead of the danger zone, especially on rural roads and motorways.

Check whether anyone is injured and administer first aid. If there are any injuries, always call emergency services on 112. For pure property damage, the extent of the damage and the other party's willingness to cooperate determine whether the police should be involved.

Photograph both vehicles from several angles, the number plates, brake marks, debris fields and the overall accident scene. The more context your photos show, the better the course of the accident can be reconstructed later.

Note the name, address and insurer of the other party as well as their number plate. Actively approach witnesses and ask for their contact details — independent witness statements are often decisive in a dispute.

Even out of politeness, you should not make any statements about fault at the scene or sign an admission of liability. Determining liability happens afterwards, based on the evidence.

You have the free choice of expert (§ 249 BGB) — you don't have to accept an expert suggested by the other party's insurer. Commission an independent expert of your own choosing.

An independent damage report documents the extent of the damage, repair costs and diminished value in a comprehensible way and forms the basis for full compensation by the other party's insurer.