12 - Duties in Traffic Accidents

Anyone involved in a traffic accident, whether at fault or not, must immediately stop and assist any injured persons or animals, and otherwise participate in measures required by the accident. This obligation also applies to others nearby or arriving at the scene, if necessary.

Those involved in an accident are mutually obligated to provide their names and addresses. The driver must also provide the vehicle owner’s name, address, and, if applicable, the vehicle’s registration number.

If the accident has resulted in death or significant personal injury, those involved must ensure that the police are informed as soon as possible. Before the police arrive, they must not leave the scene unless necessary or without police consent. If a person must leave, they must promptly notify the police of their involvement and provide their name and address. If the accident has caused material damage and no one is present to assist the victim, the responsible party must notify the victim or the police immediately.

Vehicles involved in an accident that could pose a danger or obstruction to traffic must be moved to a safe location immediately. If traffic safety permits, the parties involved may measure and mark the accident scene before moving the vehicle. If the accident has resulted in death or serious injury, the vehicle may only be moved with police consent, or if leaving the vehicle in place would cause significant danger or unreasonable obstruction until the police arrive. If the vehicle must be moved before the police arrive, the parties involved must, if possible, measure or mark its position.

Before the police arrive after an accident involving death or serious injury, no evidence may be removed or altered unless strictly necessary. Those involved should seek to prevent the removal of evidence or any changes to relevant circumstances.