Preparing For The Worst

[Steps]

This post is intended to prepare me or anybody else reading who is new to driving on the roads here in Thailand. I am currently riding a motorbike and would like to know what should i do or expect in the event of an accident, minor or major?

Is it the same in England were if you have a minor accident you swap details and contact your insurance company?

If you have a major accident or somebody is hurt what should you do or expect?

I know there is no real emergency number or is that incorect??

All experiences welcome as i want to prepare myself.

Cheers

[fredob43]

1 do not move Car/M/C

2 contact police. They will sort it out. You will have to go to police station to fill out form. Guilty party pay's I think 400bt. They will also contact Insurance who will send along a peep's to look at CAR, M/C to assess damage, and who will pay.

Carry you D/Licence at all time's as help's with paper work.

And prey the other party admit's liability. Or has no paper work.

Alway's remember your a farang so second place to start with.

Tip try and take some photo's.

Last but not least make sure you have NO:1 insurance.

[ThaivisaInsurance]

Agree one should not move the vehicle but the priority (if no injuries) is to contact the insurance company on their 24hr Help/Claim line.

Quite often it takes forever to get through to the police but when you talk to the insurance company tell them to talk to the police for you - they seem to be able to get through !

.............and always make sure you have good cover with a good company.

[PoorSucker]

1. contact friend that can speak Thai (If you don't)

[neverdie]

Even if you are only riding a small scooter bike, make sure you have 'bail bond' insurance cover.

[katabeachbum]

Agree one should not move the vehicle but the priority (if no injuries) is to contact the insurance company on their 24hr Help/Claim line.

Quite often it takes forever to get through to the police but when you talk to the insurance company tell them to talk to the police for you - they seem to be able to get through !

.............and always make sure you have good cover with a good company.

agree

1. take pictures of other partys lisenceplate, tax sticker/VIN, driver, accident scene, and visible damage

2. Call insurance, ask them to call police, it may take an hour or two before any of them arrive

3. dont move vehicle until insurance or police has instructed you to do so

4. keep a card in your pocket with contact info for people hospital staff can contact in case your unconsious

5. if you dont have good insurance, like most scoots, start finding cash. If fatality, bailbond starts at 200k baht

6. Never admit guilt, just say sorry we had accident if you need to talk at all

7. If Police is difficult, call tourist police at 1155. Also bring in as many thai friends as possible

[snowflake]

have a look at my "vigo vs bicycle" thread...

1. Stay calm, getting angry/agitated will not help...

2. Do not move your car/mc...

3. Make sure everyone is ok or first aid is provided as well as you can...

it is amazing in this country that the roads seems empty, but the second you have an accident there are loads of people watching...

4. call your insurance company.

5.remain where you are if people are injured until the police gets there...

6. Unless you are 100% fluent in thai, do not speak thai to the police... Gossip and friendly chit chat is ok...

7. Make sure you always carry a valid drivers license and that your car is insured...

8. Dont drink and drive...

Just remember that it will work itself out, you might have to get someone to translate the police report for you before you sign it...

Lets hope you will never have to look here again or feel the need for the use of this forum... Drive safely...

For minor fender benders with no injuries it is most likely the best option to request/give cash...

A few years ago a guy ran into my pick up at a red light... He had nothing/ no insurance, no money so he asked if he could take my bumper off and fix it... Sure i said (helpful since he seemed sincere) his time limit was 1 week, i got his id card and he signed a note stating he had given it to me in order for him to fix my car/bumper... 3 days later he showed up again and had fixed the bumper... Good as new... He got the paper back and i got my bumper back...

I think that the most important thing to do when you have an accident is to stay calm...

[thomo]

Take photos of EVERYTHING and Everyone.

These will be used when the police lie in court.

[JohnLeech]

Have a look at the Vigo vs bicycle thread - and heed the advice NOT to admit your guilt. You may not be so lucky and the person you hit/wo hit you may not be known to and disliked by the police.

Heed all the above, particularly concerning insurance. Bear in mind that without it, unless those involved come to an agreement over responsibility and damages, the police will usually impound all vehicles involved until the case comes to court even if the other driver/person involved admits blame.

[thomo]

Heed all the above, particularly concerning insurance. Bear in mind that without it, unless those involved come to an agreement over responsibility and damages, the police will usually impound all vehicles involved until the case comes to court even if the other driver/person involved admits blame.

And the police usually become quite fond of these impounded vehicles.

One might find the case being dragged on and on as the sergeant has a nice Hilux to impress his mia nois with.