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Every year, the number of vehicles on Uzbekistan’s roads increases, along with the number of road traffic accidents. To simplify the procedure for documenting minor traffic accidents, the country has introduced the European Accident Statement (Europotokol) system. It allows drivers to independently record the circumstances of an accident without calling the traffic police.
What is the European Accident Statement?
The European Accident Statement is a simplified procedure for documenting traffic accidents, where drivers involved in an accident fill out a special accident notification form on their own. This system was introduced in Uzbekistan to ease the workload of the traffic police and speed up the insurance compensation process.
The main advantage of this system is that drivers can quickly document the incident on-site and clear the road without waiting for police inspectors. This is especially important in heavy city traffic, where every minute of delay can cause major congestion.
When Can You Use the European Accident Statement?
You can use the European Accident Statement only if specific conditions are met:
No more than two vehicles are involved.
No one has been injured or killed in the accident.
The damage does not exceed the officially set limit.
Additionally, both drivers must have valid third-party liability insurance (OSAGO), and there must be no disputes between them regarding the circumstances or who was at fault.
The form cannot be used if:
One of the drivers is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Public property (road signs, barriers, etc.) has been damaged.
There are suspicions of intentional damage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ensure Safety: Turn on hazard lights, place a warning triangle, and offer first aid if needed.
Document the Scene: Take photos or videos showing the overall scene, vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, skid marks, and debris.
Move Vehicles: If they are blocking traffic and it is safe, move the vehicles off the road.
Fill Out the Accident Report Form: Each driver fills out their side of the document, including personal info, vehicle details, insurance company info, and a description of the accident.
Draw a Diagram: Clearly indicate the positions of the vehicles at the time of the accident, direction of movement, and other details.
Sign and Keep a Copy: Each party retains a copy of the completed form.
Required Documents
To complete the European Accident Statement, you’ll need:
Driver’s licenses of both drivers
Vehicle registration certificates
Valid OSAGO insurance policies
The accident report form
If the vehicle is driven under a power of attorney, that document must also be provided. Accident forms are issued by insurers when purchasing OSAGO — it’s recommended to keep several in the car at all times.
Deadlines for Submitting Documents
After filling out the European Accident Statement, the injured party must submit documents to the at-fault driver’s insurance company within 5 working days. The at-fault driver must also notify their own insurer within the same timeframe.
Documents required:
ompleted accident form
Copies of both drivers’ documents
Photos of the scene
Police report (if applicable)
The insurance company reviews the claim and processes the compensation according to the law.
Advantages and Limitations
antages:
Saves time and reduces the need to wait for the police
Faster insurance payouts
No additional costs for simple accident handling
Limitations:
Only applies to minor accidents without injuries
Only up to a certain damage threshold
Cannot be used in disputed or suspicious cases
The European Accident Statement is an efficient and user-friendly tool for dealing with minor traffic incidents in Uzbekistan. When used properly, it significantly speeds up the compensation process. More information is available on eai.uz.
