What to do if you get into a car accident in Europe

A guy is looking very frustrated away from the camera after two cars crashing on the road (gorgev (123RF))

112 is the European phone number for all emergencies (fire, ambulance, police). You can dial it from any European country, free of charge.

According to the military police, it is best to avoid making any statement, oral or written, about liability, cause of the accident or the possibility of a claim.

Stay at the scene. Leaving is considered a hit-and-run and a serious criminal offense.
Call the police. For serious accidents, call 112 and military police (see next page). For minor accidents, call 110 to get the local police then report it to military police within 24 hours.
Use a reflective vest, hazard lights and warning triangle. Triangles should be 100m away, or 200m away on freeways. Do not use the triangle on multi-lane carriageways in the U.K.
Provide first aid, if necessary. Do not move anyone seriously injured. Wait for the ambulance.
Take pictures for documentation.
Try not to move the vehicles. Only move the cars if the accident was minor and the vehicles are completely blocking traffic.
Exchange information. You are obliged to share personal information and vehicle details with the police and the other party involved. You are not required to testify or make a statement about guilt. Police may determine guilt and assess fines.
Do not sign documents you cannot read. Make sure you know what a document says. Ensure it is not an admission of guilt, a scam power of attorney, loan, car rental or towing agreement.
If needed, contact towing services. This can be done through your insurance agency, auto club (like ADAC), or with police help.
Contact your insurance company.
For further assistance, contact your installation legal office.

Non-Emergency Phone Numbers

Use these numbers to contact U.S. Law Enforcement, Military Police or Security Forces offices. These non-emergency numbers can be used to report off-installation car accidents, or to seek assistance from the on-installation police.

OFF-INSTALLATION POLICE (no fire/ambulance needed): Call 110

BENELUX