This article provides practical, law-informed guidance for road incidents in the Philippines. It’s general information, not legal advice; consult a lawyer for your specific case.

1) Immediate Actions at the Scene

Ensure safety first. Switch on hazard lights, deploy warning devices/triangles, and move to a safe spot if it’s dangerous to stay put (e.g., blind curves, live lanes). If it’s safe, leave the vehicles as they came to rest until police arrive—clear the lane only to prevent further harm.
Call for help. Dial local police/traffic enforcers (e.g., precinct or city traffic office), medical responders, or 911. For injuries, request an ambulance and do not move the injured unless absolutely necessary.
Render assistance. The Land Transportation and Traffic Code requires drivers involved in accidents to stop and assist the injured. Leaving (“hit-and-run”) is a separate offense and severely aggravates liability.
Do not argue or admit fault. Stick to facts. Avoid paying on the spot unless you truly intend to settle (see §11). Statements can be used against you in civil/criminal cases and insurance claims.
Document the scene. Take wide and close photos/videos: plate numbers, positions relative to lanes/landmarks, skid marks/debris, traffic signals, damage, weather/lighting, injuries, speedometer/dash warning lights (if visible), and IDs of drivers. Preserve dashcam footage immediately.
Exchange information. Get full name, address, contact numbers, driver’s license number/class, plate number, vehicle make/model/color, OR/CR copy, and insurer (policy number, coverage, and agent). Share yours as well.
Identify witnesses & CCTV. Record names/contacts of bystanders; note nearby establishments/barangay halls for CCTV requests later.
Alcohol/drugs protocol. Under the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act (RA 10586), cooperate with field sobriety/breath testing when lawfully required. Refusal has legal consequences; be polite and ask the officer to follow the proper checklist and devices.

2) Reporting the Accident to Authorities

A. Police/Traffic Report

Where to report: Nearest police station or city traffic unit (in NCR, often the city’s Traffic Enforcement Unit; MMDA may assist in major roads). If the incident is within a subdivision or private road, barangay police/security may also log but you still need an official police report for claims.
When: As soon as practicable, ideally within 24 hours—many insurers and some LGUs expect prompt reporting.
What to bring: Valid ID, driver’s license, OR/CR, photos/videos, medical records if any, repair estimates, and a brief written account. If you were transported to a hospital, keep proof (ER record).
Documents generated:
- Police Blotter/Incident Record (initial log).
- Traffic Accident Report (narrative with sketches, involved parties, citations).
- Medical/Medico-Legal Certificate for injuries (from hospital/medico-legal officer).

B. Barangay Involvement (Katarungang Pambarangay)

If the parties live in the same city/municipality and the case is primarily civil (e.g., property damage, minor injuries), the barangay may require conciliation before court filing. Ask the desk officer; criminal cases with public offenses or incidents involving non-residents may proceed directly.

3) Understanding Liability in Philippine Law

A. Criminal Liability

Reckless or Simple Imprudence (Art. 365, Revised Penal Code) can attach when driving carelessly causes damage, injury, or death. Penalties escalate with the harm caused and circumstances (e.g., DUI, overspeeding, fleeing, professional driver).
Separate offenses may apply: DUI (RA 10586), Hit-and-Run/Failure to Render Assistance (under traffic code and penal provisions), Damage to Property through negligence, etc.

B. Civil Liability

May arise ex delicto (from the criminal act) or as quasi-delict (Art. 2176 Civil Code), independent of criminal proceedings.
Damages can include: actual/compensatory (repairs, medical bills), loss of earning capacity, moral, exemplary, attorney’s fees, and interest.
Employers and vehicle owners can be vicariously liable for drivers acting within assigned tasks; owners may be liable for negligent entrustment.

Important: You can pursue a civil action separately as a quasi-delict even if criminal charges are dismissed or not filed, and vice versa.

4) Insurance Landscape: CTPL vs. Comprehensive

A. Compulsory Third Party Liability (CTPL)

Mandatory for LTO registration. Protects third parties (not the at-fault driver/owner) for bodily injury or death.
No-Fault Indemnity: Third parties can claim an initial amount for death/ bodily injury without proving fault (subject to policy limits set by the Insurance Commission). This speeds up ER/initial expenses. Beyond this, fault/negligence matters.
Limitations: CTPL generally does not cover property damage, and not the at-fault driver’s own injuries. It doesn’t replace criminal liability.

B. Voluntary (Comprehensive) Insurance

Often bundles Own Damage (OD), Theft, Acts of Nature, Third-Party Liability (Bodily Injury & Property Damage), Personal Accident, Roadside assistance, etc.
Check policy schedule for limits, deductibles, depreciation, betterment, exclusions (e.g., DUI, unauthorized drivers, racing), and authorized repair shops network.

5) Claim Pathways & Checklists

A. If You Are the Injured Third Party (Claiming against the Other Driver’s CTPL/TPL)

Documents commonly required:

Government ID; proof you’re a third party (not the policyholder/authorized driver).
Police Traffic Accident Report and/or Blotter.
Medical docs: ER record, physician’s report, prescriptions/receipts; Death certificate & proof of relationship for death claims.
Proof of expenses (official receipts).
Sworn statement/affidavit narrating the incident.
No-Fault Indemnity claim form (for the initial benefit), then full TPL claim if alleging fault.

Process overview:

Notify the insurer listed on the at-fault vehicle’s CTPL immediately.
File No-Fault claim for quick release subject to limits, then pursue additional benefits upon proof of negligence/fault.
Cooperate in evaluation; provide additional documents as requested.

B. If You Are the Policyholder (Claiming under Your Comprehensive Policy)

Typical requirements (vary by insurer):

Notice of loss within the policy’s stated period (often within a few days).
Police report/blotter, photos/videos, driver’s license, OR/CR.
Claim form, estimate/quotation from an accredited shop; sometimes repair authority is needed.
If there are injuries, attach medical documents; if theft/total loss, additional affidavits, keys, alarm reports, and NBI/PNP clearances may be required.

Process:

Report to your insurer’s hotline/agent; secure a claim number.
Attend adjuster inspection or drive to an accredited shop (or arrange towing).
Sign Repair Order once the insurer issues a Letter of Authority (LOA).
Pay deductible/participation and any betterment; collect repaired vehicle.
For third-party claims under your policy (BI/PD), your insurer may handle negotiations and later exercise subrogation against the at-fault party.

C. Property Damage Against the Other Party (Without Your Comprehensive Cover)

You may pursue a civil claim (barangay conciliation first if applicable; otherwise court). Gather repair estimates, photos, expert assessments, proof of loss of use (e.g., ride-hailing receipts).

6) Evidence: What Carries Weight

Police Traffic Accident Report with scene diagram and narratives.
Photos/videos (original files with metadata when possible).
Dashcam footage: lawfully obtained recordings on public roads are generally admissible; keep a chain of custody (who handled the file, copies, timestamps).
CCTV requests from LGUs, barangays, or establishments (write a brief request; bring incident report).
Medical/Medico-Legal: diagnosis, injury grading, treatment plans, itemized bills.
Vehicle documentation: OR/CR, maintenance records (for mechanical failure defenses).
Expert reports: estimator, mechanic, or accident reconstruction (for major cases).

7) Timelines, Deadlines, and Prescription (High-Level)

Police reporting: Do it promptly (ideally within 24 hours). Delay can weaken both criminal and insurance cases.
Insurance notice of loss: Follow your policy; late notice can be grounds for denial if it prejudices the insurer.
No-Fault Indemnity: File as soon as possible with basic proofs (ID, proof of accident/injury).
Civil actions (quasi-delict): Generally four (4) years from injury to sue for damages.
Contractual actions (insurance disputes): Often longer prescription under the Civil Code for written contracts, but many policies include suit-limitation clauses (e.g., a limited period after denial). Read your conditions carefully.

8) Special Situations

A. Multi-Vehicle Pileups

Fault may be concurrent or successive; police will apportion infractions. Insurers may share liability; expect more adjusters and cross-claims.

B. Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs), Taxis, TNVS

Operators of common carriers owe extraordinary diligence to passengers. Passengers may claim against the carrier/operator’s insurance and pursue civil damages; concurrent criminal charges against the driver may proceed.

C. Government Vehicles/Road Hazards

Claims may involve the State or LGU. Special notice rules, defenses (e.g., sovereign immunity limits), and procedures (COA money claims) can apply; seek counsel.

D. Company Vehicles/On-Duty Drivers

Employer may face vicarious liability; check fleet policies and incident SOPs. Report to HR/fleet immediately in addition to police and insurer.

E. Drunk/Drugged Driving

Expect criminal charges, license sanctions, and policy exclusions. Insurers often deny coverage for DUI-related own-damage; third-party bodily injury protections can still respond (up to statutory requirements), but the driver faces personal exposure.

F. Hit-and-Run (Unidentified Vehicle)

File police report immediately; secure medical docs and explore No-Fault against your CTPL if you’re a third party in another’s policy context (nuanced). Comprehensive policies with Personal Accident benefits may provide limited relief.

9) Interacting with Police and Enforcers

Be courteous; provide IDs/licenses upon lawful demand.
Ask the officer to note your statement accurately. You may attach your own written account.
If cited, you may contest through the LGU/MMDA process. Don’t argue at roadside; take the ticket and contest later.
For breathalyzer: ask to see device calibration/tagging, request that the steps under RA 10586 implementing rules are followed.

10) Costs, Deductions, and Payout Mechanics

Deductible/participation fee: You pay this per event under your OD/PD cover.
Depreciation/betterment: Insurers may charge for brand-new parts improving the car beyond pre-loss condition.
Total loss: If repair cost exceeds the threshold (often a percentage of sum insured), the claim may be settled as constructive total loss; you’ll endorse OR/CR and keys, and the insurer takes the salvage.
Subrogation: After paying you, the insurer may pursue the at-fault party to recover what it paid.

11) Settlement Strategies (On-Scene and After)

On-scene cash settlement is risky—values are unclear and injuries can evolve. If you must, write a simple acknowledgment with plate numbers, names, amount, and “without admission of fault,” limited to visible property damage.
Prefer post-estimate settlements: obtain two or three shop estimates, share with the other party/insurer, and sign a Deed of Release, Waiver, and Quitclaim upon payment. Have it notarized.
If negotiations stall, consider barangay conciliation (where required) or Small Claims Court for purely monetary property damage within the court’s threshold (no lawyers appear; rules are streamlined).

12) Privacy, Dashcams, and Data

Dashcams on public roads generally fall under legitimate interests; avoid publishing faces/plates online without necessity.
Share footage only with authorities, insurers, and your counsel. Keep the original file read-only; provide copies for review.

13) Practical, Printable Checklists

A. Glovebox Kit

Photocopies of OR/CR, insurance policy & hotlines, LTO license.
First-aid kit, warning triangles, flashlight, phone power bank.
Pen & small notebook; blank accident info sheet.

B. Accident Packet (to gather)

Photos/videos of scene and vehicles
IDs, licenses, OR/CR copies (both parties)
Police blotter & accident report
Medical/medico-legal records and receipts
Repair estimates/LOA, shop invoices, towing bills
Written statements and witness contacts

14) Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Should I move my car after a minor fender-bender? A: If it’s safe and you’ve documented positions, move to the shoulder to unclog traffic. In major crashes with injuries or disputed facts, it’s often better to wait for police if safe.

Q: Can I claim from my own insurer even if I’m not at fault? A: Yes, if you have Own Damage or Third-Party Liability components. Your insurer can later seek reimbursement from the other party (subrogation).

Q: Do I need a lawyer for every accident? A: Not always. For significant injuries, possible criminal exposure (DUI/reckless imprudence), deaths, or large claims, retain counsel early.

Q: What if the other driver is uninsured? A: CTPL is compulsory but some still drive without it. Rely on your comprehensive (if any), pursue civil action, and consider small claims for manageable property damage amounts.

Q: Will admitting fault void my claim? A: An on-scene admission can complicate both liability and coverage. Provide facts to police/insurer; let the investigation and policy terms govern fault allocation.

15) One-Page Action Plan (Save This)

Secure & assist → hazards, triangles, call 911/police.
Document → photos, dashcam, witnesses, IDs.
Exchange → license, OR/CR, insurer details.
Report → police/traffic unit (ideally ≤24 hours).
Medicals → ER/medico-legal; keep all receipts.
Notify insurer → claim number; follow instructions.
Repair/settle → estimates, LOA, deductible; notarized release if settling.
Follow through → barangay/civil/criminal steps as needed; keep a complete file.

Final Notes

Always read your policy wording—coverage, exclusions, deadlines, and dispute clauses vary.
Laws and implementing rules evolve; local traffic ordinances differ by city. When in doubt, ask counsel or your insurer’s claims officer before deciding.