What to do after a crash
After a collision, the hardest part is not to panic. Here is the clear order of actions the rules require: safety and people first, then facts and paperwork.
First steps in any crash
Stop immediately and stay at the scene. Switch on the hazard lights and set up the warning triangle to alert others. Don't try to drive off or argue about fault — safety comes first.
People matter more than the car
If anyone is injured, do everything you can to give first aid and call emergency medical help on 112. If you cannot call for help and the condition is serious, take the injured person to the nearest medical facility in your own or a passing car and return to the scene.
Don't move things, record them
Don't move the vehicles or objects and try to preserve the traces of what happened. If the car blocks others and the police don't forbid it, you may clear the carriageway only after you have recorded the position of the cars and objects (photograph from several angles).
Police or the agreed statement
Notify the police if anyone is injured, third-party property is damaged, or a car cannot be driven. If there are no injuries, no third-party property damage, the cars are drivable, only two are involved and the drivers agree on the circumstances — fill in the agreed statement (European accident report) and you may leave without calling the police.
Real-world situations
A minor bump in a car park, nobody injured, both cars drivable, just the two of you and you agree on what happened.
Calling the police isn't required. Fill in the agreed statement, exchange contacts and you may leave. Photograph the damage and the position of the cars before you move them.
Someone is injured in the collision, or third-party property is damaged.
Stop, switch on hazards, set up the triangle, give first aid and call 112. Notify the police, preserve the traces and follow the services' instructions.
More than two cars are involved, or the drivers can't agree on the circumstances.
The agreed statement is not used here. Stop, warn others with hazards and the triangle, notify the police and act on their instructions.
Common mistakes
Dragging the cars aside straight away to clear the road.
First record the position and check for injuries. Clear the carriageway only after recording and only if the police don't forbid it.
Leaving the scene because the bump looks minor.
Leaving a crash scene is a serious offence. Stay put and document what happened.
Filling in the agreed statement even though someone is injured.
If there are injuries or third-party property damage, you must call for help and notify the police — the agreed statement doesn't apply here.
Key takeaways
- First stop, switch on the hazards and set up the warning triangle.
- If anyone is injured — give first aid and call 112.
- Don't move the cars or objects until you have recorded their position.
- No injuries, two cars and agreement — the agreed statement is enough.
Check yourself
What is the correct first action in any crash?
A minor bump, nobody injured, both cars drivable, just the two of you and you agree. Do you have to call the police?
Someone is injured in the collision. What do you do?
Right after the collision
- Stop and stay at the scene
- Switch on hazards and set up the warning triangle
- Check for injuries; if any — help and call 112
- Don't move the cars or objects; record their position
- Write down witnesses' names and contacts
- Decide: police or agreed statement
Frequent questions
What is the agreed statement (European accident report)?
It's a form both drivers fill in together after a minor crash with no injuries and no third-party property damage. You submit it to your insurer without calling the police.
May I move the car if it blocks traffic?
Yes, but only after you have recorded the position of the cars and objects, and only if it doesn't contradict the police's instructions.
Which number do I call in a crash?
The single emergency number in Latvia is 112 — through it you can reach emergency medical help, the police and rescue services.
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