A traffic accident is a stressful event in which mistakes are easy to make — and costly to correct. A clear course of action will help protect your rights from the very first moments.
Step 1. Stop the Vehicle
If the car is not blocking traffic, it may be moved a short distance — but only after the accident scene has been photographed. Since 2015, traffic regulations have required drivers to clear the roadway promptly after documenting the scene; failure to do so carries a fine of 1,000 rubles. In some cases, however, it may be wiser to pay the fine than to dispute liability under ambiguous circumstances.
Leaving the scene of an accident is prohibited and may result in administrative liability.
Step 2. Activate Hazard Lights and Place the Warning Triangle
The triangular emergency warning sign must be deployed immediately — without delay. Failure to do so carries a fine of 1,000 rubles under the Code of Administrative Offenses (KoAP).
Step 3. Assess the Scene and Check for Injuries
Do not sign any documents under pressure — whether from traffic police officers or other parties involved. Initial statements have a significant impact on the determination of fault.
Be alert to fraudulent schemes. If you have a valid OSAGO (compulsory motor third-party liability) policy, you are not obligated to make any payments at the scene.
Step 4. Assist Any Injured Parties
If there are injured persons, call emergency services at 112. If necessary, transport an injured person to a hospital yourself, then return to the scene immediately.
Step 5. Simplified Protocol or Traffic Police?
A simplified accident report (Europrotocol — completed by the drivers without police involvement) is available only when all of the following conditions are met simultaneously:
- Only two vehicles are involved
- No persons have been injured
- Both drivers are insured under OSAGO
- There is no disagreement about the circumstances of the accident
- The damage clearly does not exceed 100,000 rubles
Steps for completing the Europrotocol:
- Complete the accident notification form jointly
- Photograph the scene and all damage
- Submit copies to your insurance company within five business days
If any one condition is not met, contact the traffic police (GIBDD) and remain at the scene. While waiting: photograph everything, record witnesses’ contact information, and notify your insurer.
Insurance Disputes: New Procedure Since 2019
As of June 1, 2019, disputes involving motor vehicle insurance are first reviewed by the Financial Ombudsman — at no cost and without court proceedings.
Procedure:
- File a complaint with the insurance company (15 business days for electronic submissions, 30 for postal)
- If the response is unsatisfactory, contact the Financial Ombudsman online or by mail: 3 Staromonetniy Lane, Moscow 119017
- Only after the Ombudsman’s decision is unfavorable may the matter be taken to court
Why You Should Call an Attorney Immediately
An accident is stressful, and under stress people agree to conditions they would refuse with a clear head. An attorney on the phone can clarify your rights, help you properly document the circumstances, and prevent errors that cannot later be undone.
If your insurer denied a claim or undervalued the damages, we can help you challenge that decision. Contact us — an initial consultation will show whether there are grounds to pursue recovery.