What should you do immediately after a traffic accident in Kosovo?
Immediately after a traffic accident in Kosovo, your first priorities are safety and health: check for injuries, call for emergency medical help, and do not leave the scene. Then make sure the accident is officially recorded by the police, gather evidence, and keep every document. These early steps protect both your health and any later claim for compensation.
Key points
- Safety and health come first — check for injuries, call for medical help, and do not leave the scene.
- Call the police so the accident is officially recorded; the police report is central evidence.
- Gather evidence at the scene and get medical care promptly, even if injuries seem minor.
- Keep every document; compensation is normally sought from the at-fault vehicle’s motor liability insurer.
First, make sure everyone is safe
In the first moments after a traffic accident, safety and health matter most. Check yourself and others for injuries. Call for emergency medical help if anyone is hurt. If it is safe to do so, move out of the flow of traffic and switch on the hazard lights to warn other drivers. Stay calm and take one step at a time.
Report the accident and gather evidence
Call the police so the accident is officially recorded. The police accident report is a central piece of evidence for any later compensation claim. While you wait, and if you are well enough, gather evidence at the scene — memories fade and vehicles are moved, so a clear record now can matter a great deal later.
- Photograph the vehicles, their positions, the damage, the road and any skid marks.
- Note the other vehicle’s registration number and make.
- Take down the other driver’s name and contact details, and their insurer if you can.
- Collect the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Note the location, date, time and weather conditions.
- Wait for the police and make sure your account is recorded accurately.
See a doctor and keep every document
Get medical attention promptly, even if your injuries seem minor. Some injuries — such as whiplash or concussion — appear only hours or days later. A prompt medical record links your injury to the accident and supports a claim, especially for non-material damage such as pain and suffering.
- Medical records, diagnoses, prescriptions and expert findings.
- Receipts for treatment, medicines, transport and any repairs.
- Proof of income lost while you were unable to work.
- The police accident report, together with your photographs and witness details.
Starting a compensation claim
When you are ready, a claim for compensation is normally made against the insurer of the vehicle at fault, under its motor liability insurance (TPL). If that vehicle was uninsured, unidentified (hit-and-run) or foreign, the claim may instead be handled by the Kosovo Insurance Bureau. There is no need to rush the claim itself — but keep every document from the first day.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first thing to do after a car accident in Kosovo?
Look after safety and health first. Check for injuries, call for emergency medical help if anyone is hurt, and, if it is safe, move out of the flow of traffic. Do not leave the scene.
Do I have to call the police after a traffic accident?
It is important to have the accident officially recorded. The police accident report is a central piece of evidence for any later compensation claim, so calling the police protects your position.
Should I see a doctor even if I feel fine?
Yes. Some injuries appear only hours or days later. A prompt medical examination creates a record linking any injury to the accident, which supports a claim, especially for non-material damage.
What evidence should I gather at the scene?
If you are well enough: photographs of the vehicles, positions and damage; the other vehicle’s registration and the driver’s and insurer’s details; and the names and contacts of any witnesses.
I was injured in Kosovo but live abroad — what should I do?
Still obtain the police accident report and your medical records. You can pursue a compensation claim later from abroad through a representative in Kosovo acting under a notarised power of attorney.