Accidents in Spain

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Accidents in Spain

The procedure in the event of a road traffic accident in Spain (accidente de trafico) will depend on the severity of the accident, whether there are injuries and if it is necessary for the police to be involved.

What To Do at the Scene of an Accident

• Stop immediately
• Put on the reflective jacket before leaving the car, especially in bad weather or at night
• If the vehicle is blocking the road, use hazard lights and place a warning triangle in front of the car and one at the back
• Do not move the vehicles until the police arrive, if they are blocking the traffic then try to mark the scene and, if possible, take photographs
• All drivers involved must exchange details; registration number, name, address and insurance company
• Take the license plate number of all the vehicles and witnesses involved (this could be vital if the case goes to court)
• Never sign any paperwork unless certain you understand and agree with it
• If damage is caused and the owner is not there to report it (a crash with a parked car or into someone's property) it must be reported to the local police station so that they can make contact

If there have been injuries or fatalities call for the police and ambulance: Police Guardia Civil 112 from a mobile or landline (calls are free) or use one of the SOS telephones, located on motorways and main roads. The vehicles must not be moved until the police have arrived. 

In accordance with basic first aid rules keep the injured person warm and do not move a casualty unless they are in danger of further injury.

If the police attend the scene of an accident they will make an accident report. They may make charges of driving offences. If you suspect the other driver has been drinking or taking drugs then inform the police. 

Note: The legal limit for drink driving (DUI/DWI) in Spain is 0.5g/l and 0.15g/l for a driver who has held a licence less than two years and 0.15g/l for lorry and bus drivers. 

If there are no injuries and only minor damage caused there is no need to call the police.

The accident report

In the event of a minor accident with no injuries the parties involved must exchange details and make a declaration of events. This will form the accident report submitted to the insurance companies. If the parties involved do not agree on a version of events do not sign any documentation.

Included in the accident report are the following details: 

• Date and place of the accident (full address)
• Vehicle information: make, model numbers and vehicle registration numbers
• Drivers' information: full names, addresses, driving licence details (number, category, date and place of issue) 
• Details of insurance companies and policies of all drivers
• Witnesses: names and addresses 
• Injuries (yes/no)
• Vehicle damage (yes/no)
• An illustration and explanation of the accident including details of damage caused

What to do immediately after

• Notify the insurance company of the incident as soon as possible (when taking out insurance find out how soon after an incident the company needs notification. It could be from two to seven days)
• If there are injuries make sure that the insurance company is informed and provide a medical certificate

Note: You have up to two months to bring charges against the other parties involved although a court case can be a lengthy process that can take years to get a settlement.

Further Information

• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Vehicle Insurance in Spain
• AngloINFO INFOrmation page on the Green Card System
• AngloINFO INFOmation page on Driving in Spain
• AngloINFO INFOmation page on ITV Vehicle Roadworthiness in Spain