After a road accident, the first few minutes are not about who is at fault, nor about how much the repair will cost. The priority is people's safety, then complying with legal obligations, documenting the event, and transporting the car without aggravating the damage.
The procedure differs essentially depending on the existence of victims. If a person says they are injured, experiences pain, is disoriented, or their condition cannot be safely assessed, treat the situation as an emergency and follow the instructions of the 112 operator.
Step 1: Check for victims or immediate danger
Quickly look around without exposing yourself to traffic. Check the people in your vehicle and, if safe, ask about the condition of those in other vehicles. Observe if there is smoke, a strong smell of fuel, fallen cables, dangerous goods, or a risk that another vehicle might hit the area.
If there are injured or deceased persons, or a vehicle carrying dangerous goods is involved, immediately notify the police and call 112. According to GEO no. 195/2002, the driver involved in an accident with victims must not leave the scene, alter, or erase traces. The position of the vehicles cannot be changed without the consent of the police investigating the accident.
What to do until emergency services arrive
- follow the 112 operator's questions and instructions exactly;
- do not move a victim unless there is an imminent danger, such as fire, explosion, or another immediate risk;
- do not perform medical maneuvers you are unfamiliar with;
- do not consume alcohol or substances after the accident and before testing;
- protect yourself from traffic and do not create additional risk.
Step 2: If there is only material damage, clear and signal the area
For an accident resulting exclusively in damage and other material losses, the law stipulates the immediate removal of vehicles from the roadway or, if their condition does not allow it, moving them as close as possible to the curb or shoulder and signaling their presence.
Do not attempt to forcibly move a car with locked wheels, broken steering, detached parts, or leaks. If the vehicle cannot be moved safely, communicate the situation to the authorities and request appropriate equipment.
Step 3: Document facts, not conclusions
Once safety and immediate obligations are managed, photograph the context without putting yourself in danger. Useful images capture the position and direction of the road, markings, signs, traffic lights, visible traces, damage to each vehicle, and license plates.
Note the date, time, exact location, and the other driver's details. Information exchange may include identity, contact details, vehicle, registration certificate, and RCA insurance policy information. Keep the discussion factual. Do not sign a document you do not understand and do not fill in assumed data.
A short checklist for your phone
- general and detailed photos;
- license plate numbers;
- driver and owner details, if different;
- RCA insurance information;
- witness details, if they agree to provide them;
- GPS position and location landmarks;
- document number issued by authorities, when applicable.
Step 4: Amicable settlement or police?
An amicable settlement can be used, in essence, when the accident occurred in Romania, only two vehicles are involved, and there was only material damage. The form must be completed and signed by both drivers, on paper or through an approved electronic system. The Financial Supervisory Authority also indicates that signing the form describes the elements of the event, without itself representing an admission of liability.
If the conditions for amicable settlement are not met, if the parties do not complete it, or if there are ambiguities requiring the intervention of authorities, drivers involved in an accident with only material damage must usually report to the competent police unit within 24 hours, according to GEO no. 195/2002. The law exempts drivers who conclude an amicable settlement under the law and drivers with optional comprehensive insurance when the accident has only damaged their own vehicle. Do not let the deadline pass while informally negotiating.
When not to treat the event as a simple amicable settlement
- there is or may be an injured person;
- more than two vehicles are involved;
- other goods have also been damaged, and the situation does not meet the applicable conditions;
- a driver refuses or cannot provide the necessary data;
- there are suspicions regarding alcohol, substances, lack of documents, or another serious offense;
- authorities require the scene to be preserved or their presence at the scene.
In case of doubt, ask the police for instructions. This article cannot evaluate the specific circumstances of an accident.
Step 5: Decide if the car can still be driven
The fact that the engine starts does not prove that the car is safe. Do not continue driving if you observe:
- fuel, oil, coolant, or brake fluid leaks;
- bent, locked, or body-rubbing wheels;
- imprecise steering, shifted steering wheel, or abnormal braking;
- headlights, bumpers, fenders, or other hanging parts;
- deployed airbags, locked seatbelts, or a windshield that obstructs vision;
- smoke, burning smell, red warning lights, or high temperature;
- doors, hood, or trunk that no longer close securely.
A flatbed tow truck is suitable when driving would endanger traffic, violate safety requirements, or could aggravate the damage. Tell the operator if the car has automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, low suspension, electric propulsion, locked wheels, or difficult access.
Step 6: Prepare for car transport
- Determine the destination. This can be an authorized service center, a center indicated in the claims procedure, or a safe address. Do not assume that the insurer covers all transport; check your policy and the applicable procedure.
- Photograph the car before loading. Capture the damage and general condition, including visible objects in the cabin.
- Remove important items. Take documents, spare keys, devices, money, and medications.
- Communicate specific details. Mention locked wheels, access, low ground clearance, and any observed risks.
- Keep documents. Request the fiscal document and proof of service, useful for records and, where applicable, for the claims file.
What to ask the flatbed operator
- What type of equipment will be sent for the car's condition?
- What is the cost estimate and what can incur additional costs?
- Where can passengers travel?
- Who delivers and who receives the vehicle at the destination?
- What documents are issued after transport?
Accidents and car transport in Brașov
In the municipality, on the ring road, or on nearby roads, provide the exact location, direction of travel, and a landmark. If the accident is on a curve, on an incline, on a slippery road, or in a crowded area, mention this on the first call.
For vehicles that can no longer be safely driven, flatbed transport can be requested. For incidents without severe damage, the availability of a form of roadside assistance may be evaluated. Commercial intervention does not replace the police, ambulance, firefighters, or the accident investigation procedure.
Contact and serviced localities
- Emergencies and accidents with victims: 112
- Flatbed/assistance: 0770 423 003
- Brașov
- Râșnov
- Codlea
- Săcele
- Predeal
- Zărnești
