What Should a Taxi Driver Do After an Accident in Poland

A road accident is always extremely stressful, and for a professional taxi driver, it also means a direct loss of income. In such a situation, it is easy to panic and make mistakes that may later result in denied insurance compensation or account suspension by a ride-hailing platform. To avoid this, it is important to have a clear action plan at hand. In this article, we will explain what a taxi driver should do after a road accident in Poland, how to complete the required paperwork correctly, and how to get back to work as quickly as possible.

Step-by-Step Guide: What a Taxi Driver Should Do After an Accident

The first few minutes after a collision determine the success of the entire claims process. The procedure for taxi drivers after a road accident is strictly regulated by traffic laws and the internal policies of ride-hailing platforms:

1. Stop and ensure safety. Immediately stop your vehicle, switch on the hazard warning lights, and place a warning triangle (15 meters in urban areas and 100–150 meters on highways);
2. Check for injuries. Make sure that you, your passenger, and the other road users have not been injured. If anyone is hurt, call the emergency services immediately;
3. End the trip. Politely explain the situation to your passenger and end the trip in the app. Help the passenger leave the vehicle in a safe location and, if necessary, assist them in requesting another ride. The fare for the interrupted trip is usually recalculated automatically by the platform;
4. Document the scene and communicate. Take photos of the vehicles from different angles, the damage, road signs, and the license plates of the other parties involved. If the damage is minor and there is no dispute over fault, you can use the European Accident Statement form;
5. Call the police. When should you call the police after an accident? You must do so if there are injuries, one of the parties has left the scene, one of the drivers is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol, or there is a dispute over who is at fault.

How a Taxi Driver Should Report a Road Accident

Once safety has been ensured, it is time to deal with the paperwork. How should a taxi driver report a road accident so that the insurance company has no reason to reject the claim? Let’s break it down:

• Accident report. If the police were not called, complete a joint accident statement (European Accident Statement). It must include both drivers’ license details, insurance policy numbers, a detailed diagram of the collision, and a list of all damaged vehicle parts;
• How to file an accident claim. After completing the documents at the scene, you have a limited period (usually 3 to 7 days) to submit your claim to the insurance company. This can be done online through the at-fault driver’s insurer (if you are the injured party) or through your own insurance provider;
• Photos and videos. Attach all photos and video files. In Poland, the damage assessment process usually works as follows: an insurance expert may either schedule a vehicle inspection or assess the damage remotely using your photos.

Should You Inform Your Partner or Uber, Bolt, or FreeNow About the Accident?

Many new drivers wonder whether they need to report an accident to Uber or Bolt. The answer is yes, and it is critically important. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Report the accident. Every ride-hailing app has a “Help” → “I was involved in an accident” section. Submit a report as soon as possible. This will protect your rating and allow the support team to properly resolve any payment issues related to the passenger’s trip;
2. Consequences. If you hide the fact that an accident occurred while working through a ride-hailing platform, your account may be suspended pending an investigation, especially if the passenger reports the incident before you do;
3. Contact your partner. If you work through Promin Partner, notifying your partner is not mandatory. However, if any issues arise, we will help you resolve them.

How a Taxi Driver Can Receive Compensation After an Accident

The compensation process depends on whether you are at fault or the injured party:

• If you are not at fault. You are entitled to full compensation after the accident under the at-fault driver’s insurance policy. This includes vehicle repairs after the accident as well as compensation for lost taxi income. To receive compensation for lost earnings, you will need a certificate from your partner confirming your average income;
• If you are at fault. The cost of repairing your own vehicle is your responsibility unless you have AC (Autocasco) insurance. However, your insurance company is still required to compensate third parties for the damage caused;
• Damage assessment. The damage assessment process may take some time. In most cases, it takes between 14 and 30 days before the insurance company makes a compensation decision.

Replacement Car Rental to Continue Working as a Taxi Driver

Downtime in the taxi business is expensive, so if your vehicle is no longer roadworthy, the next question is whether you are entitled to a replacement taxi vehicle. In Poland, an injured driver has the legal right to a replacement taxi vehicle at the expense of the at-fault driver’s insurance company, provided that the rented vehicle has all the permits and licenses required for commercial passenger transportation. It is important to understand that the insurance company is only required to cover the rental costs for the duration of your vehicle’s repairs or until compensation is paid in the event of a total loss.

When working with Promin Partner, arranging a replacement vehicle is handled as quickly as possible through our network of partner fleets, allowing you to get back on the road with minimal downtime and maintain uninterrupted access to ride-hailing platforms. Our fleet partners provide vehicles that are already fully equipped in accordance with all applicable requirements, including the necessary license extracts and insurance coverage. This allows you to avoid waiting for approval from the at-fault driver’s insurance company and return to work as quickly as possible. As a result, a replacement taxi vehicle becomes a fully operational working tool that helps minimize income loss after a taxi accident.

Vehicle Repairs After an Accident and Inspection

Can you continue driving after an accident? If the headlights, mirrors, or bodywork are damaged, or if the vehicle’s structural geometry has been compromised, operating the vehicle is prohibited.

1. Where to repair your vehicle. You can choose to have the repairs carried out at an authorized repair shop (with direct settlement through the insurance company) or receive the compensation payment and arrange the repairs yourself;
2. Where to inspect your vehicle after an accident. After significant damage, the vehicle must undergo an additional technical inspection to confirm that it is safe for passenger transportation. Vehicle repairs after an accident should always conclude with a full inspection of all safety systems (Airbag, ABS).

Key Takeaways for Taxi Drivers to Avoid Problems After an Accident

The biggest enemy of a taxi driver after an accident is rushing, so it is crucial not to make mistakes during the first 30 minutes after the incident. Do not try to handle everything on your own if you are in shock—it is better to seek assistance from your partner or a lawyer specializing in taxi accident cases. Document absolutely everything with photos and videos, as having extensive visual evidence always reduces the number of questions from insurance adjusters.

Working with Promin Partner allows you to leave the legal complexities to experienced professionals, ensuring that compensation for lost income is calculated correctly and paid out as quickly as possible.

Taxi Accident FAQs

Is working with a partner an advantage if a road accident happens?

Promin Partner helps drivers prepare a proper report and submit an accident claim to the ride-hailing platform’s support service, minimizing the risk of account suspension.

What should you do with the passenger after an accident?

Your responsibilities after an accident include, above all, ensuring the passenger’s safety and comfort. Make sure the passenger is unharmed, help them collect their belongings, complete the trip in the system, and assist them in transferring to another vehicle if necessary. Remaining calm and polite will help you avoid complaints and maintain your rating in the app.

What should you do during the first few minutes after a taxi accident while working?

During the first few minutes, you should immediately stop the vehicle, switch on the hazard warning lights, place a warning triangle, and report the accident to Uber or Bolt through the mobile app. These simple steps lay the foundation for successfully resolving your insurance claim later.

How should you prepare your vehicle to return to work after an accident?

Once all repair work has been completed, the vehicle should undergo a comprehensive inspection of both its technical condition and appearance. It is important to carry out a thorough post-accident vehicle inspection to ensure that all systems are functioning correctly, as well as to properly prepare the vehicle’s interior. You can find detailed instructions on how to restore your vehicle to perfect working condition in our dedicated article, “How to Prepare Your Car for Taxi Work.”