Expert opinion or cost estimate - €750 makes all the difference

Gutachten oder Kostenvoranschlag?

After a road traffic accident, you as the injured party have the right to have an expert opinion drawn up by an independent expert at the expense of the party responsible for the accident. The expert opinion has significant advantages for you compared to a cost estimate prepared by the garage. The right under Section 249 (2) sentence 1 of the German Civil Code (BGB) to have the costs of the expert's report included in the [...]

Accident with a new car - What claims do I have?

Unfall mit Neuwagen

Every year, around 3.6 million new cars are purchased in Germany, with an average purchase price of €33,600. This makes it all the more annoying when the newly purchased car is involved in an accident. This is because the value of the vehicle is considerably reduced even after a professional repair - because now [...]

E-scooters - How many per mille are permitted when driving?

E-Scooter Promille

The e-scooter makes it easy to get from A to B - and is now available in almost every major city in Germany. Scooters are particularly popular at night and with party people. This begs the question: Is it legal to ride an e-scooter while drunk? And what is the drink-driving limit for e-scooters? Answers to these questions [...]

The other party in the accident does not respond - what to do?

Unfallgegner meldet sich nicht. Was tun?

There are crashes on German roads every day. When road users come into contact with each other, a proper dialogue between the parties involved is crucial. Unfortunately, however, this happens far too often: after the initial agreements have been made, the other party in the accident doesn't get in touch. In our guide, we explain what to do in such cases. After the accident: what [...]

Garage commitment for motor vehicles: blessing or curse?

Werkstattbindung

Whether it's a new car or a collector's model - at some point, every driver will have to visit a garage. Vehicle owners are then increasingly confronted with the concept of workshop commitment. At the latest when things have to be done quickly in the event of a crash, however, clarity should prevail on this topic. So in which cases does such a commitment exist? What is the [...]

Tram accident - what drivers should look out for

Unfall mit Straßenbahn

Trams travel at speeds of up to 65 km/h, weigh more than 30 tonnes, have significantly longer braking distances than motor vehicles and swerving is not an option for them. In this guide, we explain how you can reduce the risk of a tram accident, how to behave correctly after an accident and who is liable for the damage [...].

Cat or dog run over? - What you should do now

Nobody really wants road accidents involving pets. But the fact that there are 14.7 million cats and 10.1 million dogs at home in Germany alone makes it clear that these accidents do happen and pose particular challenges for those involved. For the unfortunate driver, several questions arise in this terrifying moment: Am I committing a hit-and-run if I don't stop and [...]

Smartwatch at the wheel - will it be expensive?

Smartwatch am Steuer

Every responsible road user should have internalised this by now: Mobile phones at the wheel - better not! The figures are frightening: the road safety initiative "Be smart!" calculates a total of 500 road deaths per year due to phone use on its website. But what about smartwatches such as Apple Watch, Fitbit and the like? Are they not a similarly dangerous distraction factor? [...]

Towing costs after an accident - who pays and why?

Abschleppkosten Unfall

Your vehicle is so badly damaged after an accident that it has to be towed away. This is often associated with high costs. In this article, you will find out who pays the towing costs after an accident and how you can claim your costs quickly and easily. Entitlement to reimbursement of towing costs after an accident The basic rule is: The person who caused the [...]

Accident during probationary period - What consequences should I expect?

Ein Fahranfänger steht unglücklich vor seinem Fahrzeug, das einen Unfallschaden hat.

New driving licence holders in Germany have to pass a two-year probationary period, during which special rules apply. In the event of a road accident during the probationary period, nerves are accordingly frayed. In our guide, we explain what consequences you can expect as a novice driver after an accident during the probationary period and why a hit-and-run is a very bad idea. The crucial question: [...]