After a road accident, protect people first: stop, switch on the hazard lights, check everyone for injury and call 112, or 108 for an ambulance in Maharashtra, if anyone is hurt. Under Section 134 of the Motor Vehicles Act, a driver involved in an accident that injures someone must take reasonable steps to get the injured person medical help and must report to the police, at the nearest police station if no officer is present, as soon as possible and within 24 hours. Only after that do the practical questions come: photographs, the tow, the insurer and the repair. This guide sets out a sensible order. It is general information and not legal advice.
The first minutes at the scene
- Stop and make the scene safe. Switch off the engine, turn on the hazards, and if the car can be moved safely and nobody is badly hurt, think about whether it is blocking the road. If it is on a fast road such as the Mumbai–Pune Expressway, get everyone behind the barrier as described in the expressway breakdown guide.
- Check for injuries. Do not move someone with a possible neck or back injury unless there is an immediate danger such as fire.
- Call for help. 112 is the national emergency number. 108 is Maharashtra's emergency ambulance number. State where you are, how many are hurt and what vehicles are involved.
- Do not leave. Leaving the scene of an accident can create serious legal trouble, unless danger from a crowd means you need to move to a safe place such as the nearest police station.
- Stay calm and polite. Do not argue about blame. Exchange names, phone numbers, registration numbers and insurance details with the other drivers.
Evidence worth gathering
If it is safe, photograph the whole scene before anything moves: positions of the vehicles, damage, registration plates, skid marks, the road layout, signs and weather. Note the time, the exact location and the names and numbers of witnesses. This evidence supports both the police report and the insurance claim, and it is hard to recreate later. Do not sign anything you do not understand and avoid admitting fault at the roadside, since responsibility is decided later.
Police, FIR and the insurer
For any accident with injury, death, or damage to another person's property, inform the police. They may record the matter in different ways depending on the case, and you should ask for the reference number or a copy of whatever is recorded. Insurers commonly ask for a police report or FIR when a claim involves injury, a third party, theft or major loss, and they may accept a simpler process for minor own-damage claims. Check your policy.
Notify your insurer as soon as you reasonably can, preferably the same day, and follow their instructions on how the car should be inspected. Under Section 134 there is also a requirement to give written information to the insurer. Do not start repairs before the insurer has surveyed the car unless they agree. Keep all receipts, including the tow.
Towing a damaged car
If the car cannot be driven, it needs to be moved. For a serious crash, wait for the police to release the scene if they are present, and take photographs before the vehicle is lifted. A damaged car with bent wheels, steering or suspension usually needs a flatbed; see the flatbed versus crane comparison. If you have a roadside assistance add-on, call the insurer's number first, since an authorised tow may be arranged at no extra cost within limits. Details are in the roadside assistance guide. Otherwise, apply the questions in the towing guide and keep the receipt.
A rough order of tasks
| When | What to do |
|---|---|
| First minutes | Safety, injuries, 112 or 108, hazards, move people away from traffic |
| First hour | Photographs, witness details, exchange of details, police informed, tow arranged |
| Same day | Inform the insurer, note claim number, move the car to a safe garage or yard, tell family where you are |
| Within 24 hours | Ensure the police report required by Section 134 has been made if you have not already done so |
| Next few days | Survey, estimate, repair authorisation from the insurer, medical follow-up for anyone who felt unwell |
If you stop to help someone else
Since 2020, Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles Act has protected Good Samaritans, people who act in good faith and without expecting a reward to help an accident victim, from civil or criminal liability arising from ordinary negligence in giving that help. The law and related rules are meant to ensure that helpers are not harassed with demands for personal details or detained at hospitals or police stations. If you help, call 112 or 108, stay with the person if you can and keep them still until trained help arrives.
Repairs and disputes
Choose where the car is repaired carefully: your insurer's network may offer cashless repair, while taking it elsewhere may mean reimbursement. Whichever you choose, get a written estimate and keep every document. Ask the questions in the garage-selection guide on this site before authorising any work. If a claim is delayed or rejected, begin with the insurer's grievance process and follow the escalation routes in your policy documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to report every accident to the police?
Where someone is injured or another person's property is damaged, yes. Section 134 requires the driver to report, and the police have a procedure for it. For a minor scrape with no injury or third party, check with the police and your insurer about what is needed.
How soon must I inform my insurer?
As soon as you reasonably can. Policies set their own time limits, so read yours, and do not delay beyond the same day or the next day without a good reason.
Can I move my car after a crash?
If nobody is hurt and the car is a hazard, photograph it first and then move it safely. After a serious crash, leave vehicles in place for the police unless there is immediate danger.
Will my insurer pay for the tow?
Many motor claims cover reasonable towing costs within policy limits, and roadside assistance add-ons may provide an authorised tow. Check the terms and keep the receipt.
Am I protected if I help an injured stranger?
Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles Act protects Good Samaritans who help in good faith from civil and criminal liability arising from ordinary negligence. The helper should still call 112 or 108.