The cost of a mistake in the first five minutes runs from having to fight for the insurance payout to facing criminal proceedings. The sequence of steps is set out in clause 2.10 of the Road Traffic Rules, and it does not depend on who is at fault.

The first minutes: what the Road Traffic Rules require

1. Stop immediately and stay at the scene.
2. Switch on the hazard lights and set out the warning triangle.
3. Do not move the vehicle or any objects connected with the accident.
4. Give first aid to the injured, call an ambulance or ask people present for help.
5. If an ambulance cannot be called — take the injured person to hospital in your own vehicle, having first recorded the position of the marks on the road, and return to the scene.
6. Notify the police and wait for them to arrive.
7. Take steps to preserve the evidence, cordon it off and arrange a way round for other traffic.
8. Do not drink alcohol or take medicines before the medical examination.

Clause 2.10 of the Road Traffic Rules of Ukraine

European Accident Statement or the police

Not every accident needs a patrol unit. But the conditions for handling one without the police are strict, and breaching any of them costs you the insurance payout.

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The European Accident Statement: conditions and time limits

• The vehicles involved — exactly two, both with a valid compulsory motor third-party liability policy.
• The damage — property only. No injured people, not even someone with a scratch.
• The drivers understand the circumstances in the same way and are not in dispute about fault.
• There are no signs of alcohol or drug intoxication.
• The compensation limit is up to UAH 250,000 per injured party.
• Notify the insurer and submit the completed form — within three days.

Only once the European Accident Statement has been drawn up and signed are the drivers entitled to leave the scene without calling the police.

What to record yourself — every time

Whether you are drawing up a European Accident Statement or waiting for a patrol, do this before the cars are cleared from the carriageway. Four essential shots:

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Testing for intoxication

Take the test — and do it properly. Refusing the examination carries liability heavier than driving while intoxicated itself. If you disagree with the device's reading, demand an examination at a medical facility and record that demand in writing in the report.

If anyone is injured

An accident involving bodily injuries is already a criminal case under Article 286 of the Criminal Code. The penalties depend on the consequences: from a fine or restriction of liberty for injuries of medium severity, up to imprisonment for a term of three to eight years where death or serious injury has resulted.

In detail: how the criminal case unfolds and whether you can settle →

What not to do

• Do not move the cars before everything is recorded if anyone is injured or the circumstances are in dispute.
• Do not settle “on the spot” without documents — a verbal agreement does not work, and by then the evidence is gone.
• Do not sign the accident diagram if it does not match reality. Write your objections in your own hand.
• Do not admit guilt in your explanations. Describing what you saw and giving a legal assessment are different things, and it is the court that gives the assessment.