Behavior after an accident / Rights / Insurance / Expert opinion
Accident Guide
What is important after a traffic accident - explained in an understandable way and summarized step by step.
OVERVIEW OF PAGE CONTENTS
- Secure the accident scene
- Inform the police
- Exchange data
- Document the accident
- Commission an independent expert
- What does an accident report contain?
- Who pays for the report?
- Minor damage or full report?
- Rights of accident victims
- Priority of claims
- Regional support in the Upper Bavaria region and Munich
- Conclusion
- FAQ about insurance
A traffic accident raises many questions.
A traffic accident usually comes unexpectedly. The shock is profound, the situation is often chaotic – and suddenly important decisions have to be made.
Many affected people are asking themselves at this moment:
- What do I need to do now?
- Does the police need to be informed?
- Am I allowed to hire my own expert?
- What rights do I have vis-à-vis the insurance company?
- And how do I ensure that the damage is fully compensated?
This accident guide leads you step by step through the most important measures after a traffic accident and shows what really matters when settling claims.
1. Secure the accident scene
The safety of everyone involved is always the top priority. Secure the accident scene as quickly as possible to prevent further hazards.
Important measures:
- Turn on the hazard warning lights
- Put on a high-visibility vest
- Set up warning triangle
- Provide first aid if necessary
- Provide care for injured persons
The safety of everyone involved is always the top priority.
2. Inform the police
The police should always be notified if:
- People were injured
- major damage has occurred
- the question of guilt is unclear
- A dispute exists between the parties involved.
- Alcohol or drugs could be involved.
- a foreign vehicle is involved
The police document the accident and draw up an official report.
3. Exchange data
After an accident, the most important information must be exchanged between those involved.
This includes:
- Name and address
- mark
- Insurance
- Insurance number
- Vehicle data
4. Document the accident
Thorough documentation is crucial for the subsequent assessment of the damage.
Take a photograph:
- Damaged vehicles
- Accident position
- Skid marks
- Traffic signs
- Roadway and surroundings
- Vehicle parts involved
Complete documentation helps to avoid later ambiguities.
5. Commission an independent expert
In the event of an accident that is not your fault, you have the right to choose your own independent expert – not the one appointed by the insurance company.
The expert:
- The vehicle is being examined
- All damages are documented
- prepares a legally sound expert opinion
- assesses depreciation and loss of use
- works exclusively in the interest of the injured party
An independent expert represents your interests exclusively.
6. What does an accident report contain?
A professional accident report includes, among other things:
- Repair costs
- Replacement value
- Residual value
- mercantile depreciation
- Loss of use
- Repair time
- Photo documentation
7. Who pays for the expert opinion?
In the case of an accident that is not your fault, the opposing party's liability insurance usually covers the costs of the expert report.
That means:
- You are free to choose the expert.
- You do not have to accept an insurance assessor.
- You will not normally incur any costs of your own.
8. Minor damage or full expert report?
Not every instance of damage automatically requires a comprehensive expert report.
As a rough guideline:
- Minor damages under approximately €750–1,000 → a cost estimate may be sufficient.
- For major damages exceeding approximately €1,000, a full expert report is recommended.
9. Rights of accident victims
Many victims are not fully aware of their rights after a traffic accident.
Among other things, you are entitled to:
- an independent expert
- free choice of repair shop
- Compensation for loss of use
- Compensation for the reduction in value
- legal support
10. Quota priority
Why it can be important despite shared guilt (partial guilt).
Many accident victims assume that if they are partially at fault, significant financial disadvantages will automatically result.
Even in cases of partial liability, additional claims can often be asserted. The so-called quota priority plays an important role in this.
The quota priority can become relevant if, after an accident, both your own comprehensive insurance and the other party's liability insurance are involved.
This can include:
- Depreciation
- Expert fees
- Towing costs
- Loss of use
- Deductible
Especially in:
- unclear right-of-way situations
- Parking damage
- Changing lanes
- Turning accidents
- Accidents involving partial fault
Many affected individuals are unaware that further claims may exist despite shared responsibility.
A professional review of the claims settlement can help avoid financial disadvantages.
11. Regional support in the Oberland region and in Munich
The vehicle appraisal office H. Hein supports clients in, among other things:
- Farchant
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Mittenwald
- Oberammergau
- Oberau
- Murnau
- Weilheim
- Schongau
- Bad Tölz
- Geretsried
- Wolfratshausen
- Starnberg
- Munich
Karl-Peter Geburzi (Owner, automotive expert)
Conclusion
A structured approach is crucial after a traffic accident.
Securing the accident scene, thorough documentation, and commissioning an independent expert will help:
- to fully record damages
- To secure rights
- to avoid financial disadvantages
- to handle the regulation in a comprehensible and fair manner
A professional accident report This often forms the most important basis for further claims settlement.
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