Unfortunately, unpleasant situations on the road, such as a car accident or sudden vehicle breakdown, can happen to anyone. And it’s important to stay calm at these times and know how to act – now and under the changes that apply from 1 July 2025. In this article, we provide clear and practical guidance on how to handle emergencies safely, quickly and according to the current rules.

1. Secure the site and be visible

Immediately after stopping your car:

  • turn on your hazard lights,
  • wear a reflective vest (keep it within reach of the driver, not in the boot!),
  • place a warning triangle (50 m behind the car on the road, 100 m on the motorway).

Your safety always comes first – before you do anything else, make sure you are visible and that there is no further danger.

2. Check the health of all participants

Make sure no one is injured. If so, or if you are not sure, call the emergency services immediately (112 or 155). Give basic first aid, but do not intervene if you could make the injured person’s condition worse.

3. Call the police? Beware of the new conditions in Czechia!

Updated rules apply from July 2025:

You must call the police if:

  • there has been an injury or death,the damage exceeds CZK 200,000 (to the vehicle, cargo or property of a third party),

    damage to infrastructure (barriers, signs, lighting, etc.),

    dangerous substances (e.g. fuel) have leaked,

    traffic cannot be restored,

    there are doubts about guilt or one of the participants refuses to cooperate,

    someone is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

You don’t have to call the police if:

  • there are no injuries, the damage is less than CZK 200,000 and traffic is not blocked.

Now you can report some accidents only by calling 158 – the police do not always have to come.

4. Didn’t call the police? Document everything thoroughly

Fill in the accident report (euroform) together with the other driver. Make sure it contains:

  • date, time, place of accident,
  • details of both vehicles and drivers,
  • a sketch of the situation and a description of the course of action,
  • witnesses and their contacts,
  • a statement of fault, if there is an agreement.

5. Take photographs, take notes, collect evidence

Create photo documentation: vehicle positions, damage, road signs, braking marks, etc. Take photos of the registration plates and the surrounding area. In case of a collision with game, also the animal itself. This will provide evidence for the insurance company.

6. An unroadworthy vehicle? Call a tow truck

If you can’t drive the car yourself, call a roadside assistance or towing service. Wait a safe distance off the road. Never risk your own safety by trying to move the vehicle.

7. Confirmation from the police – even without them coming out

If you have only reported the incident by telephone, the police may issue you with a certificate after the fact. However, you must call immediately from the scene of the accident.

Ask for the certificate:

  • by email,
  • by mail,
  • or in person or by post to the relevant police department.

8. Do not forget to contact the insurance company

Report the accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours. Give them the completed form, photos and any police certificate. This will make it easier for you to settle the claim.

What to do in case of a collision with wildlife?

Now you just need to report it to the police by phone and ask for confirmation later. The police will inform the hunting association. But report the incident from the scene – otherwise you will not get confirmation later.

Conclusion: peace, safety, documentation

The changes from July 2025 bring simplification. If the accident does not require a police call, you can sort everything out on the spot, without waiting.

But the key is:

  • knowing when to call the police,
  • being prepared to take the right action,
  • have a reflective vest, a form and a camera in your car (just your phone).

FINAL TIP: If you travel frequently for business or abroad, check your insurance. Do you know what it covers? Do you also have breakdown cover? In the event of an accident, you can then call the insurance company’s helpline – they can help with towing, documentation and dealing with the whole situation.

🚛 Safe travels from the BOSPED team.