What Should Foreigners do When They Have Traffic Accidents in China?

2020/1/16

Foreigners coming to China, whether for work or study, are likely to buy a car as a means of transport. What should they do if they have traffic accidents in China?

First, keep calm when a traffic accident occurs. Don't panic and leave the accident scene at will. According to Road Traffic Safety Law of PRC, a person who causes a traffic accident and then escapes will have his or her driving license revoked and will not be allowed to regain it for the rest of his or her life. It possibly constitutes a criminal offense. 

Second, get out of the car immediately to see if there are any casualties. If there are any casualties, drivers should call the police immediately and dial 120 for first aid. If there is only a simple property loss, both parties to the accident can negotiate on their own. If the negotiation fails, they can also report to the police.

Third, in the case of casualties, especially when the vehicle is on fire, or people are caught under the wheel, the driver must actively carry out rescue work, and must not stand by and not escape by driving. Don't get away with it. China has traffic cameras on almost every road, and it's easy for traffic police to find out who's responsible.

In addition, it should be noted that drunk driving is strictly prohibited in China, and those who drink drunk will be temporarily detained with a driving license. If a major accident occurs that causes serious injury, death or serious property damage, they will be punished.

We remind all foreigners here that the crime of causing traffic accidents is a crime stipulated in the Criminal Law of PRC and refers to the crime of violating road traffic management regulations, causing a major traffic accident, causing serious injury, death, or causing serious property damage. If you are suspected of causing a traffic accident, do not hesitate and immediately hire a professional Chinese lawyer. People who cannot determine whether they are involved in traffic accidents, as long as they believe that a major traffic accident, casualties, or serious property damage has occurred, should also consult a Chinese lawyer to avoid the evolution from a general traffic accident into a criminal act.