What to do if you are involved in a traffic accident
If you are involved in a traffic accident, whether during your commute to school or in your daily life, please follow the guidelines below.
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What to do if you are involved in a traffic accident
●Identify the individual who caused the accident
Write down the following items:
- Name, address, and telephone number of the driver
- Driver's license number
- License plate number of the car concerned, as well as the name of the car's owner
- Information regarding the driver's automobile liability insurance
(name of the insurance company, certificate number, and the policy's effective date)
●See a doctor even if you may think your injuries aren't very serious
Even if you feel fine immediately after the accident, it is common for pain to develop later and for a medical examination to reveal injuries that are more serious than initially thought. Therefore, you should undergo an examination and diagnosis by a specialist or other qualified medical professional.
If you pay the medical expenses yourself, be sure to keep the receipts.
●Contact the educational affairs section of your faculty/school or graduate school
If you are involved in a traffic accident, please notify the educational affairs section of your faculty/school or graduate school.
●Report to the police and obtain a traffic accident certificate
Even if the traffic accident appears to be minor, be sure to report it to the police and obtain a traffic accident certificate. This document will serve as important evidence if you later need to negotiate a settlement or claim compensation for damages.
●Proceed with any settlement cautiously
It is risky to sign or affix your seal to a settlement agreement or receipt without first reviewing it carefully. Be sure to read all documents thoroughly and proceed with any settlement cautiously.
Since complications or lasting injuries may appear later, do not rush into a settlement. Instead, consult carefully with appropriate professionals, organizations, or representatives of your insurance company before making a decision.
●Procedures for Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research (PAS) & Liability Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research (LSR)
If you are covered by PAS and/or LSR, please be sure to complete the required procedures.
For details refer to the following page.
If you cause a traffic accident
The following procedure applies whether the victim of the traffic accident is a pedestrian, a cyclist, or the occupant of a vehicle.
●Stop immediately and ensure safety (do not leave the scene)
If you cause a traffic accident, you must stop immediately and secure a safe area to prevent a secondary accident.
If the location is dangerous, first ensure your own safety and, if possible, move to a safer place. Warn approaching vehicles by using hazard lights, warning triangles, or other appropriate means.
●Aid the injured (Call 119 and provide first aid)
If anyone is injured, providing assistance to the injured person should be your top priority. If necessary, call 119 and request an ambulance.
Check the person's level of consciousness and breathing, control any bleeding, and provide first aid to the extent that you can do so safely and reasonably.
●Report to the police (call 110)/obtain a traffic accident certificate
Even if the accident appears to be minor, be sure to report it to the police. This is recommended even in the case of bicycle-to-bicycle accidents or single-vehicle accidents if another person is involved, property has been damaged, or there is a possibility that someone has been injured.
Reporting the accident is also important for obtaining a traffic accident certificate, which may be required later for insurance claims and other procedures.
●Confirm the other party’s information (pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle occupants)
If the accident involves another party, confirm and record the following information:
- Name, address, and telephone number
- If the other party has a vehicle: license plate number, vehicle type/model, vehicle owner, insurance company, etc.
- If possible, document the circumstances of the accident, including the location, time, presence of traffic signals or road signs, and contact information of any witnesses. It is also advisable to take photographs of the scene.
●Do not admit fault or make hasty promises at the scene of the accident
Do not hastily conclude that the accident was entirely your fault, and avoid making verbal settlement agreements or paying money at the scene.
Issues such as the degree of fault and the scope of compensation should be carefully reviewed in consultation with your insurance company or other appropriate professional organizations.
●Seek medical attention even if you believe your injuries are minor
Be sure to check yourself for injuries as well as the other party. Even if your injuries appear minor, seek medical attention. Keep all receipts in case reimbursement procedures become necessary later.
●Promptly contact your insurance company (e.g., automobile insurance or personal liability insurance)
Report the accident promptly to your insurance provider(s), such as your automobile or motorcycle insurance, bicycle insurance, or personal liability insurance, and follow their instructions on how to proceed.
Please note that even bicycle accidents can result in substantial liability for damages.
●Contact the educational affairs section of your faculty/school or graduate school
If the accident is likely to affect your studies, class attendance, or research activities, please inform the educational affairs section of your faculty/school or graduate school as soon as possible.
●Procedures for Personal Accident Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research (PAS) & Liability Insurance for Students Pursuing Education and Research (LSR)
Students covered by PAS and/or LSR should complete the appropriate procedures when applicable. Please note that the required documentation differs depending on the nature of the incident, such as injury, third-party liability, or property damage.
For details refer to the following page.
Drunk driving, hit-and-run offenses, and unlicensed driving can lead to severe disciplinary action and legal consequences. After an accident, always provide assistance to injured persons and report the incident to the authorities. Please respond responsibly and sincerely.