WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT
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Do you know what to do in the unfortunate event of a non-injury road traffic accident?
As a driver here in Spain or elsewhere on mainland Europe, you should complete the blue form called Parte Europeo de Accidente.
This document is provided by all insurance companies and should be carried in the car with all relevant papers. The document is completed in duplicate by either or both drivers and is signed by all parties involved, each taking with them their own copy, which should be handed to the insurer as soon as possible or in any case within 5 days of the accident. The document is, here in Spain, logically, in Spanish, so here below is an English version.
WHAT DO IN CASE OF AN ACCIDENT
Which is clearly printed on the front cover of the Parte Europeo de Accidente, is 'DON'T PANIC, BE COURTEOUS, REMAIN CALM'. (Do not admit liability, but complete the form honestly)
IF THERE ARE INJURIES
1. Call the police and an ambulance if necessary.
2. Note the names, surnames, addresses and telephone numbers of the injured where this is possible.
IF THERE IS ONLY MATERIAL DAMAGE
1. Produce your insurance details and your driving licence and complete the duplicate form, Parte Europeo de Accidente. It is only necessary for one such document to be completed, as there is a copy for each driver.
2. Ensure that the damaged vehicles do not cause a traffic hazard or interfere with the circulation of other road users.
3. Should you feel it necessary, or if the other driver does not wish to co-operate, call the police.
4. Photographs of the scene and of the damage are always useful. (Maybe carry a disposable camera in the car).
HOW TO COMPLETE THE PARTE EUROPEO DE ACCIDENTE
AT THE SCENE
1. Use only one form when there are only two vehicles involved (two forms for 3 vehicles). It is unimportant which driver completes the form. Use a ballpoint pen and write legibly.
2.
(a) Ensure that details of both (or all) insurance companies are completed in sections 6 and 8.
(b) When completing details of the driver in part 9, take details from the driving licence.
(c) Precisely indicate the point of collision on the drawing in part 10.
(d) Mark the cause of the accident (part 12) with a cross.
(e) Draw a simple plan in part (13)
3. Take a note of the names and addresses of any witnesses, especially if there is a dispute as to blame.
4. Sign the completed form, invite the other driver to sign and offer him the duplicate form.
AT HOME
Complete the details as required by your insurance company and fill in the 'declaration of accident' on the reverse of the form.
Note down the exact location of the damaged vehicle for later inspection by the insurance assessor.
Do not alter any details previously completed.
Send the completed document to your insurance company or agent.
Should the driver of the other vehicle be in possession of a Parte Europeo de Accidente in another language, make sure that the layout of the form is the same as your version.
COMPLETING THE PARTE EUROPEO DE ACCIDENTE
1. DATE of accident.
2. PLACE of accident, street name or number, town, province etc.
3. INJURIES, however slight. (yes or no)
4. DAMAGE to vehicles. (yes or no)
5. WITNESSES, names and addresses
6. INSURED (both drivers, vehicle A and vehicle B), copy details from policy document, name, surname(s), address and telephone number. Complete the answer to the question, 'Can the insured claim back the VAT?'
7. VEHICLE, make, model, registration number.
8. INSURANCE COMPANY DETAILS, policy number, agency, green card number, validity date, 'is own damage covered?' (Yes or no).
9. DRIVER, name, surname(s), address, driving licence number, categories (A or B), place of issue, date of issue, valid until.
10. INDICATE WITH AN ARROW the point of impact.
11. DETAILS OF DAMAGE.
12. CIRCUMSTANCES, place a cross in the relevant boxes (vehicle A and vehicle B).
(a) Stationary.
(b) Pulling out from a stationary position.
(c) About to park
(d) Leaving a private parking space, driveway, un-adopted lane or dirt track.
(e) Entering as (d) above.
(f) Entering a roundabout.
(g) Negotiating a roundabout.
(h) Colliding with the rear of a vehicle travelling in the same direction.
(i) Travelling in the same direction but in a different lane.
(j) Changing lanes.
(k) Overtaking.
· PLEASE NOTE
If you are on holiday in Spain with a European Health Card, this does not cover you for medical treatment following a road traffic accident. Any treatment obtained from the hospital will result in you being issued with a bill, as it is expected that the insurance company will be liable for payment.