After a crash a clear order matters: secure the scene, protect people, document, then have the vehicle recovered. Here is what makes sense in Vienna and in which order.
Switch on hazard lights and put on a high-vis vest before getting out. On motorways such as the A23 or A4 move behind the guardrail, never stand on the hard shoulder.
Place the warning triangle around 50 metres before the scene in town, and at least 150 to 250 metres on motorways. In darkness or fog, place it further back.
If anyone is injured, first call 144 (ambulance) or 112. Only then deal with the vehicle and the paperwork.
The police (133) must attend if people are injured, if you cannot agree on identities with the other party, or if third-party property is damaged and nobody can be reached.
Photograph the final position of both cars, the damage from several angles, number plates, skid marks and the road situation including signs.
Exchange name, address, plate, insurer and policy number. A completed European accident statement saves a lot of follow-up questions from the insurer later.
If the car is no longer roadworthy, call the towing service. Give the location, the vehicle type, whether the wheels are blocked and whether the car stands in traffic – that determines the right recovery vehicle.
Say right away which garage the car should go to. You are free to choose; we also take the car to your preferred workshop outside Vienna.
Report the damage promptly, usually within a few days. Have photos, the accident statement and the other driver's details ready.
If you were not at fault, the other party's liability insurance normally covers recovery and towing costs. Keep the invoice and all receipts.