Filling in the European Accident Statement: what should you pay attention to?

A road accident is often very stressful. Even so, it is important to gather as much information about the accident as possible once the situation allows. The European Accident Statement is a valuable tool for this purpose. It allows the circumstances of a road accident to be recorded in a standardised way. It is used in a number of European countries and is designed so that drivers can exchange the key details of the accident even if they do not speak the same language. Because the accident statement is often the starting point for determining liability, it is crucial to complete it carefully and accurately.

Some useful tips

1. Describe clearly where the accident took place

Record the exact location of the accident in box 2 ("Place"). In the sketch (box 13), also note the relevant street names, road signs and traffic lights.

The more accurately the situation is depicted, the easier it will be to reconstruct the circumstances afterwards.

2. Were there any witnesses? Be sure to note their contact details!

Did anyone see the accident happen? If so, write down that person's name and contact details in box 5.

Witnesses can be of great importance if the circumstances of the accident are later disputed. An independent witness who actually saw the accident can subsequently give a statement.

Bear in mind that a passenger in one of the vehicles involved is generally not regarded as an independent witness.

3. Pay particular attention to the "Circumstances" and "Sketch" boxes

Boxes 12 ("Circumstances") and 13 ("Sketch of the accident") are often decisive in determining liability.

In box 12, each driver ticks the boxes that best correspond to their actions at the time of the accident. Tick only those boxes that genuinely apply.

The boxes ticked help to clarify the sketch in box 13. Draw one clear sketch together showing the position of the vehicles at the moment of impact.

The sketch may also show street names, road signs, the direction of travel of each vehicle, the position of witnesses and so on.

Do you disagree with the other driver's statements or the boxes they have ticked? If so, state this expressly in box 14 ("Observations").

4. Attach photographs to the accident statement

Photographs can prove particularly valuable later on.

Take photographs of:

• the position of the vehicles after the accident;
• the damage to the vehicles;
• relevant traffic layouts, road signs or road markings.

Photographs often give a clearer picture of the situation than a sketch alone.

5. Fill in certain details in advance

A simple way to reduce stress after an accident is to complete certain details on the form beforehand, such as the vehicle details (box 7) or the insurer's details (box 8).

Does your company have several vehicles? It may then be useful to have stickers printed with the information from boxes 6, 7 and 8, so that drivers do not have to write it out each time.

Still in dispute with the other driver?

Is there still disagreement about how the accident happened, or was anyone injured? If so, contact the police immediately.

The police can help you complete the accident statement correctly or, where necessary, draw up an official report.

The statement is completed: what next?

Do both drivers agree with its content? If so, each driver must sign the statement.

Each driver then receives a copy of the form and completes the reverse side.

Important: once the statement has been signed, no changes or additions may be made to the front.

Then send the completed statement to your insurer or insurance broker as soon as possible, and no later than within eight days.

No amicable settlement with the other party?

Despite your best efforts, are you unable to reach an agreement with the other party? Are you left with damage that has not been compensated?

Please contact one of our specialist lawyers. We will analyse your file thoroughly and give you clear legal advice on the feasibility of further steps, including proceedings before the competent police court to obtain compensation for your loss.