{"id":20056,"date":"2026-08-18T10:05:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-18T08:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/?p=20056"},"modified":"2026-08-18T10:05:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-18T08:05:00","slug":"wer-hilft-nach-einem-verkehrsunfall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fairforce.one\/en\/ratgeber\/wer-hilft-nach-einem-verkehrsunfall\/","title":{"rendered":"Who can help following a road traffic accident? An overview of who to contact, who is responsible and the costs involved"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Following a road traffic accident, you are surrounded by people who are involved in dealing with your claim \u2013 but each of them works for a different client. The police take a statement, but do not decide on your compensation. The other party\u2019s insurance company pays out, but has a contractual relationship with the person who caused the accident, not with you. If you know who to contact after an accident, you\u2019ll waste less time and lose fewer claims.<\/p>\n

This article does not explain what you should do at the scene of an accident \u2013 you can read about that in our guide An accident \u2013 what should you do?<\/a>. This is about the other question: Who is responsible for what, on whose behalf are they acting, and who ultimately pays them?<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Who helps out after a road traffic accident? The short answer<\/h2>\n

At the scene of the accident, the police, the emergency services and the breakdown service provide assistance. They are followed by a motor vehicle assessor, a garage, a specialist solicitor in road traffic law and the liable party\u2019s liability insurer. In the event of injuries, a doctor and \u2013 in the case of a commuting accident \u2013 the employers\u2019 compensation board are also involved. If requested, a registered claims settlement service provider can coordinate all these parties. As the injured party, you do not usually have to bear these costs yourself.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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The parties involved in a road traffic accident at a glance<\/h2>\n

The \u201eClient\u201c column is key. It explains why certain stakeholders represent your interests whilst others are, by the nature of the structure, not responsible for doing so \u2013 without making any judgement.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Stakeholder<\/th>Task<\/th>Client<\/th>Cost bearer<\/th>When<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Police<\/a><\/td>Accident report, preservation of evidence, case number \u2013 no liability decision, no settlement of the claim<\/td>no one, a state responsibility<\/td>no costs for those involved<\/td>at the scene of the accident<\/td><\/tr>
Ambulance service, fire brigade<\/td>first aid, technical rescue, safety measures<\/td>Control Centre<\/td>Health insurance; recourse against the other party\u2019s liability insurance in the event of a claim<\/td>Minute 0<\/td><\/tr>
Towing service<\/a><\/td>Recovery, towing to the garage, and, if necessary, a storage space<\/td>who commissions him \u2013 usually you<\/td>third-party liability cover where you are solely liable; otherwise, comprehensive cover or travel assistance<\/td>Lessons 0 to 2<\/td><\/tr>
Motor vehicle surveyor<\/a><\/td>Independent assessment of the extent of damage, replacement value, depreciation and duration of loss of use<\/td>You<\/strong> \u2013 freedom of choice as a right of the injured party<\/td>third-party liability<\/td>Days 1 to 3, before repairs begin<\/td><\/tr>
The insurer\u2019s audit service provider<\/a><\/td>Review of the expert report, proposals for reductions<\/td>the other party\u2019s insurer<\/td>the insurer<\/td>following the filing of a claim<\/td><\/tr>
Repair shop<\/a><\/td>Repair and confirmation of repair, free choice<\/td>You, as the owner<\/td>third-party liability<\/td>following the submission of the expert report<\/td><\/tr>
Lawyer specialising in traffic law<\/a><\/td>Liability assessment, legal representation, legal action if necessary<\/td>You<\/strong><\/td>the other party\u2019s liability in the case of sole liability; in the case of partial liability, on a pro rata basis<\/td>from day 1<\/td><\/tr>
Third-party motor insurance<\/a><\/td>assesses liability and pays compensation<\/td>their own policyholder, i.e. the person responsible<\/td>themselves<\/td>from the date of filing the claim<\/td><\/tr>
Your own insurance<\/a><\/td>Advance payment via comprehensive motor insurance or travel assistance cover in cases of unclear liability or contributory negligence<\/td>You<\/strong> as the policyholder<\/td>You, indirectly via excess and demotion<\/td>if necessary<\/td><\/tr>
Insurance broker<\/a><\/td>Contract management and claims reporting; no enforcement of claims against the opposing party<\/td>They are under contract with the insurer and are remunerated by it<\/td>Commission charged by the insurer<\/td>Contractual level<\/td><\/tr>
Regulatory service provider, accident concierge<\/a><\/td>Coordination of all parties involved, assessment of all types of claim, communication with the insurer<\/td>You<\/strong><\/td>the other party\u2019s liability as part of the compensation<\/td>from day 1<\/td><\/tr>
Doctor, hospital, employers\u2019 liability insurance association<\/a><\/td>Medical records as the basis for a claim; in the case of a commuting accident, the employers\u2019 liability insurance association is responsible<\/td>You, as a patient<\/td>Health insurance or employers\u2019 liability insurance, with a right of recourse against the liability insurer<\/td>Days 0 to 2<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Who provides assistance at the scene of an accident?<\/h2>\n

The Police<\/strong> documents the accident, secures evidence and issues a reference number under which the file can later be requested. What it does not do: it does not determine liability under civil law. A fine imposed on the other party involved in the accident is a strong indication, but not a binding determination of who owes you what amount in compensation. Whether you need to call the police at all depends on the individual case \u2013 we have set out the criteria under Accident without the police<\/a> compiled.<\/p>\n

Ambulance service and fire brigade<\/strong> are responsible for people and immediate hazards, not for your vehicle. In the event of minor accidents, it is up to those involved to clear away any glass and metal parts.<\/p>\n

The Towing service<\/strong> is the first party you engage yourself \u2013 and therefore the first one where the question of who bears the costs arises. Where the other party\u2019s liability is clear, towing, recovery and transport costs form part of your claim for damages. If the vehicle remains immobilised for a prolonged period, Stand fees<\/a> in addition, which are also eligible for reimbursement, provided that the downtime is due to an accident.<\/p>\n

Witnesses<\/strong> are not service providers, but often provide the most valuable contribution to the evidence. Make a note of their names and contact details straight away; witnesses are virtually impossible to trace afterwards. Together with a Accident sketch<\/a> This forms the basis on which all other parties involved will subsequently rely.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Who determines the amount of the claim?<\/h2>\n\n

This is where the most important decision regarding the entire regulatory framework is made \u2013 and the one that is most frequently overlooked.<\/p>\n\n

As the injured party, you may Choose your own motor vehicle surveyor<\/strong>. He works on your behalf and determines the cost of the repairs, the replacement value and residual value, how long your vehicle will be off the road, and which Impairment<\/a> remains. These four figures form the basis for calculating virtually all other claims. The costs of the expert report form part of the damages if the opposing party is solely liable.<\/p>\n\n

This should be distinguished from the Investigation service provider for the opposing insurance company<\/strong>. He is commissioned by the insurer and reviews the report for potential areas where costs could be reduced \u2013 for example, in relation to hourly rates, spare parts surcharges or the estimated repair time. Such an audit report is not a second independent report, but rather a statement commissioned by the opposing party. Both documents may therefore reach different conclusions, without either of them necessarily being incorrect.<\/p>\n\n

In the case of very minor damage, a quote from the garage may be sufficient. Courts vary in their assessment of where the \u2018minor damage\u2019 threshold lies \u2013 the range is typically between around 750 and 1,000 euros. Our article explains which option makes sense in your case Expert opinion or cost estimate<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Get your accident damage appraisal quickly and easily<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Accident victims in your situation simply get the best support from fairforce.one.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Who can help with repairs and transport?<\/h2>

The Repair shop<\/strong> The choice is yours. You can only specify a preferred garage in your own Comprehensive insurance policy<\/a> must be agreed; the other party\u2019s liability insurer cannot dictate how you run your business. You may also opt not to have the damage repaired and claim the cost of the damage instead<\/a> \u2013 in which case, however, VAT is not payable, and certain items are no longer eligible for a refund. If Delays in repairs<\/a>, this may extend your entitlement to compensation for loss of earnings.<\/p>

Whilst you do not have a car, you can choose between two options, which are mutually exclusive: one Rental car<\/a> in the class of your damaged vehicle or the Compensation for loss of use<\/a> as a lump sum for each day the car is out of service. If you don\u2019t drive much, you\u2019re often better off with the compensation \u2013 it\u2019s worth comparing the options before you sign a car hire contract.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Who can help with legal queries?<\/h2>\n\n

The Lawyer specialising in traffic law<\/strong> works exclusively on your behalf. He assesses the liability situation, formulates the claims, responds to reductions in compensation and takes legal action if necessary. In the event of a accident through no fault of your own<\/a> Where the other party is clearly solely liable, legal fees form part of the recoverable damages \u2013 you do not have to pay them out of your own pocket.<\/p>\n\n

The situation is different in the case of Partial debt<\/a> From: In that case, the fees will only be reimbursed up to the amount of your share of liability; the remainder will be covered by motor legal expenses insurance or will be borne by you. This is precisely why an early assessment of your share of liability is so important \u2013 it determines not only the amount of the claim but also your own financial risk. The following illustrates how the individual steps interplay: The claims settlement process<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Who can help with injuries?<\/h2>\n\n

In the event of personal injury, liability shifts. The key factor is, first and foremost, the Doctor<\/strong>: Without prompt documentation of the findings, it is almost impossible to prove later on that a complaint is the result of the accident. Anyone who does not see a doctor until days later will usually lose their entitlement to Compensation for pain and suffering<\/a> \u2013 not because of a lack of injury, but because of a lack of classification.<\/p>\n\n

Next come the items that nobody reports of their own accord: Medical treatment costs<\/a> including co-payments and travel to appointments, Loss of earnings<\/a> once the period of continued pay has ended, the Damage caused by mismanagement of the household<\/a>, if you are temporarily unable to run the household, as well as damaged personal belongings<\/a> such as glasses, a smartphone or clothes. Also a Child seat<\/a> must be replaced after an accident, even if it looks undamaged. In addition, there is the Flat-rate costs<\/a> at your own expense.<\/p>\n\n

None of these items are automatically calculated by the other party\u2019s insurance company. They are reimbursed only if a claim is made for them.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Who is coordinating the whole thing?<\/h2>\n\n

Following an accident, you find yourself caught between the loss adjuster, the garage, the hire car provider, the solicitor and the insurer \u2013 five organisations, each with their own deadlines, forms and queries. It is precisely this coordination that is the role of a Regulatory service provider<\/strong>, known as the \u2018Accident Concierge\u2019 at fairforce.one: assessing claims, instructing and scheduling appointments for those involved, handling correspondence with the insurer, and contesting reductions in compensation.<\/p>\n\n

The legal classification is important: anyone who enforces claims on your behalf against a third party is providing a legal service and must either be registered under the Legal Services Act or be a solicitor. An insurance broker is an intermediary and contract administrator \u2013 they can report your claim, but cannot enforce your claim against the other party involved in the accident on your behalf. It is therefore reasonable to ask any provider offering you support following an accident about their RDG registration, and they should be able to answer this promptly.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Do you want clarity and support with your road accident?<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Accident victims like you get the best support from fairforce.one.<\/p>

Have your accident reported now free of charge and without obligation<\/strong> by our regulation specialists.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Who represents whose interests? The principal-agent principle<\/h2>\n\n

A motor third-party liability insurer has a contract with its policyholder \u2013 the person who caused the accident. It is obliged to assess the claim and, where liability is established, to pay out. However, it is not your adviser and is not appointed to investigate your claims on your behalf. This is not an insinuation, but a description of a contractual relationship.<\/p>\n\n

This principle has three practical implications:<\/p>\n\n

Firstly<\/strong> Questionnaires and telephone calls from the other side form part of the fact-finding process \u2013 from their perspective. What you do in a Questionnaire from the other party\u2019s insurance company<\/a> If specified, this forms part of the liability assessment. Secondly<\/strong> Recommendations made to assessors or garages are always suggestions, not requirements; you retain the right to choose. Thirdly<\/strong> This applies both ways: your own insurer will also assess the claim under the terms of your policy, not in the context of your claim for damages \u2013 if the other party is solely liable, claiming through your own comprehensive cover is usually the more expensive option, as you will have to pay an excess and face a downgrade in your no-claims bonus.<\/p>\n\n

The following applies to the standard processing time of around four to six weeks: if you do not hear from the insurance company, this is no reason to wait. You can find out what to do next under The other party\u2019s insurance company has not been in touch<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Who pays which volunteer?<\/h2>\n\n
Position<\/th>Third-party liability<\/th>Comprehensive cover<\/th>To carry yourself<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Towing, recovery, demurrage<\/td>Yes, in the case of sole liability<\/td>Yes, subject to certain conditions<\/td>Excess under comprehensive cover<\/td><\/tr>
Vehicle valuation reports<\/td>Yes, except in the case of minor damage<\/td>Insurer appoints itself<\/td>in the case of minor damage<\/td><\/tr>
Repair<\/td>yes<\/td>Yes, minus the excess<\/td>Excess<\/td><\/tr>
Impairment<\/td>yes<\/td>no<\/td>-<\/td><\/tr>
Car hire or loss of use<\/td>Yes, alternatively<\/td>usually not<\/td>-<\/td><\/tr>
Legal fees<\/td>Yes, in the case of sole liability<\/td>-<\/td>Proportion of liability in the case of partial liability<\/td><\/tr>
Regulatory service providers<\/td>Yes, as part of the compensation<\/td>-<\/td>-<\/td><\/tr>
Medical treatment, compensation for pain and suffering<\/td>yes<\/td>no<\/td>-<\/td><\/tr>
Flat-rate costs<\/td>yes, a lump sum<\/td>no<\/td>-<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n\n

With Partial debt<\/a> All items are reduced on a pro rata basis \u2013 including ancillary costs. Consequently, the liability ratio determines far more than just the cost of repairs.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Do you want to know what you are entitled to after your accident?<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Use the free of charge and without obligation<\/strong> Initial assessment of fairforce.one<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Who can help if \u2026<\/h2>

\u2026 the other party involved in the accident fled the scene?<\/strong> Report the incident to the police. If the person responsible remains unknown, only your own comprehensive or third-party, fire and theft insurance will cover property damage; in the case of personal injury, the Road Accident Victims\u2019 Compensation Fund will apply. For further details, see Hit and run<\/a>.<\/p>

\u2026 the other party wasn\u2019t insured?<\/strong> In such cases, Verkehrsopferhilfe e. V. acts as the compensation fund. In the event of purely material damage, an excess applies. Background information at Driving without insurance cover<\/a>.<\/p>

\u2026 you don\u2019t know who the other party\u2019s insurer is?<\/strong> The Central Enquiry Service for Motor Insurers can find this out using the number plate \u2013 free of charge on 0800 250 26 00.<\/p>

\u2026 the accident happened abroad?<\/strong> The foreign insurer must appoint a claims representative in Germany whom you can contact in German. Further information can be found at Accident abroad<\/a>.<\/p>

\u2026 the accident happened on the way to work?<\/strong> In that case, it is a commuting accident, and the statutory accident insurance scheme is responsible, not your health insurance provider. Report it to your employer and see a designated doctor \u2013 instructions can be found at Report a road accident<\/a>.<\/p>

\u2026 do you drive a leased or company car?<\/strong> The owner is the Lessor<\/a> or the Employer<\/a>. He is entitled to compensation relating to the vehicle, whilst you are entitled to compensation relating to personal injury. In the event of an accident in the Rental car<\/a> In addition, there is an obligation to notify the landlord.<\/p>

\u2026 are you affected as a cyclist or moped rider?<\/strong> The responsibilities are the same, but the evidence is often more difficult to establish. See Bicycle accident<\/a>, Accident with e-bike<\/a> and Dooring accident<\/a>.<\/p>

\u2026 is it a total write-off?<\/strong> In that case, the calculation is based on the replacement value and residual value. Important: Do not sell the vehicle too hastily \u2013 to do so Total loss<\/a> and Sell damaged cars<\/a>.<\/p>

\u2026 it was a new car?<\/strong> In addition to depreciation, in very rare cases a claim based on the value of a new car may be considered; see Accident involving a new car<\/a>.<\/p>

\u2026 if the other party involved in the accident does not come forward or provides false information?<\/strong> That\u2019s when your documentation counts. Procedure at The other party involved in the accident has not been in touch<\/a> and false information provided by the person responsible for the accident<\/a>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Who do you contact, and when?<\/h2>