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Hong Kong Local Reference INFOrmation

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Road Traffic Accidents in Hong Kong

Information on what to do when you have a road traffic accident: who to call and how to fill in the accident report document for insurance after a car crash.

All vehicles in Hong Kong must have at least third party liability insurance. The procedure in the event of a road traffic accident in Hong Kong depends on the severity of the accident, whether there are injuries and if it is necessary for the police to be involved.

In the event of serious injuries Tel: 999

What to do at the Scene of an Accident

Stop immediately
Warn other traffic using hazard lights and a warning triangle
Do not move injured people unless there is an immediate danger
All drivers involved must exchange details including registration number, insurance details, name and address
In the event of an accident in a tunnel, contact tunnel control using one of the emergency telephones. Do NOT move the vehicle. The tunnel control centre will contact emergency services if necessary

In the event of a minor traffic accident

In the event of a minor accident with no injuries, the parties involved must exchange details and fill in an Accident Report Form at the scene of the accident. This form should be provided by the motor insurer. If the accident has involved more than two drivers, forms should be completed between each of the involved. All involved must sign the forms unless the parties do not agree on a version of events, in which case the forms should not be signed. The accident report form should be sent to the insurance company within one week.

Minor accidents do not necessarily have to be reported to the police, but it is recommended if liability is disputed. This must be done within ten days of the accident.

The following documents are necessary for making a complaint:

Driving license (original and photocopy)
Hong Kong ID card (original)
Vehicle Registration Document (original and photocopy)
Vehicle Licence (photocopy)
Third Party Risk Insurance Certificate (original and photocopy)
Photos from different angles showing the condition of the damaged vehicle, at least one of which should identify the car licence plate

In the event of a serious traffic accident

If there have been injuries or fatalities call for the police and ambulance - Tel: 999

The motorist must stop the vehicle if any of the following applies:

someone is killed or injured
there is damage to a vehicle or property
an animal (for example horse, cattle) is killed or injured

The car may be moved if a police officer gives permission or if some form of emergency action is needed. If no one is killed or seriously injured, the vehicle may be moved to a safe place.

After a serious traffic accident the driver must give their name, address, the car owner's name, address, and registration number to the police. In the case of damage, the accident should be reported to the nearest police station or any police officer within 24 hours.

After reporting the accident to the police the insurance company should be notified.

For further information from the Hong Kong Transport Department: Click here
For a checklist of what to do at the scene of an accident: Click here
For advice on first aid from the Transport Department: Click here

The Accident Report Form

The accident report should contain the following details:

Date and place of the accident
Vehicle information: make, model numbers and vehicle registration numbers
Drivers' information: full names, addresses, driving licence details (number, category, date and place of issue)
Details of insurers and policies of all drivers
Witnesses: names and addresses
Any injuries
An illustration and explanation of the accident including details of damage caused, with photographs or a sketch

The form should be sent to the insurers within one week.

Pursuing a Civil Claim After a Traffic Accident

Civil claims can be made in the following ways: If the amount of claim is less than the limit referred to in the Small Claims Tribunal Provisions, it is possible to file the suit without the help of a lawyer, although it is advisable to seek legal advice.

Small Claims Tribunal
At: 4/F, Wan Chai Tower, 12 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Tel: 2582 4084 / 2582 4085

Further Information

The Hong Kong Automobile Association
At: 391 Nathan Road, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon
Tel: 2739 5273
24 hour emergency rescue service: Tel: 2304 4911
The Motor Insurers' Bureau
AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Vehicle Insurance in Hong Kong
AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Driving in Hong Kong