What you need to know if you have been amicably treated? Useful information and recommendations
Amicable Settlement Guides: What You Need to Know
Following a minor road accident, many drivers choose to fill out an amicable statement form. But what do you do if misunderstandings arise in the meantime? Can you still go to the Police? The answer is not always simple, but you can find out more useful information below. 📝 👇
- 🤝 A signed amicable statement has legal value and does not allow the Police to be involved later.
- 🚔 You can go to the Police only in exceptional cases, if suspicions or fraud arise.
- ‼️ The type of RCA or Casco insurance can influence what options you have.
🚨 If you have made an amicable statement, can you still go to the Police? Here’s what you need to know!
📝 The amicable is a legally recognized act
Once signed and completed correctly, the amicable finding has legal value. It is equivalent to an official declaration before the Police.
❌ After signing, the Police no longer intervene
If both parties agreed and signed the form, the Police can no longer intervene. The exception is cases in which one of the parties later disputes the content.
📷 Additional evidence can count
If there are suspicions that one of the parties lied on the form, you can go to the Police with evidence – witnesses, videos, photos. However, this does not guarantee that a criminal or contraventional case will be opened.
📅 You have a deadline for the amicable settlement
The amicable settlement must be completed and submitted within 24 hours of the accident. If you are late, the Police become the only viable option.
🚗 The role of RCA insurance
If you are the injured party and the guilty party has a valid RCA insurance, the amicable settlement form is sufficient to start the compensation process. It is important that the RCA is valid on the date of the accident.
🚕 Implications for Casco insurance
If you have Casco insurance, some companies absolutely require a police report to grant compensation. Always check the terms of the contract before signing the amicable agreement.
🙇🏻 What do you do if you signed under pressure?
If you later claim that you signed the amicable agreement under duress or misunderstanding, you must provide solid evidence. Otherwise, the authorities may consider that you agreed knowingly.
🚧 If the damage is large
In the case of accidents with large material damage or doubts regarding hidden damage, it is recommended to notify the Police instead of completing the amicable agreement. In some situations, the amicable settlement does not cover all damages.
❌ If one of the parties refuses to sign
Without the signature of both drivers, the amicable settlement is not valid. In this case, you are obliged to contact the Police.
‼️ Be careful with incorrectly filled in data
If you have entered essential information incorrectly (date, place of accident, vehicle details), the form may be considered invalid. This mistake forces you to go to the Police later.
🤝 In what contexts is it good to reach an amicable settlement?
✅ Minor damages and mutual understanding
If the accident only resulted in scratches or minor bumps and both parties agree, amicable is ideal. You save time and avoid bureaucracy.
👏 No victims
Amicable can only be used if there were no injuries. Any bodily injury, no matter how minor, requires calling the Police.
🛣️ The accident occurred in a public space
If the accident occurred on public roads, and not on private property, amicable is recognized by all insurance companies.
🏃♀️ You are in a hurry and want a quick solution
If you are in a hurry or have a busy schedule, completing an amicable is much more efficient than waiting in line at the Police.
📑 Have all the documents with you
For a valid amicable settlement, you must have your license, registration certificate and RCA policy with you. If they are missing, you cannot legally conclude the amicable settlement.
📸 You took pictures at the scene of the accident
If you have visually documented the position of the cars, the damage and the license plates, you have a good basis for correctly completing the amicable settlement.
🚓 In what contexts is it more recommended to notify the Police?
⛔ There are victims in the accident
If someone was injured, it is mandatory to notify the Police. Any amicable settlement in this case is null and void.
🧾 The other party does not have valid RCA
If the other driver does not have RCA insurance, go directly to the Police. You cannot obtain compensation through an amicable settlement.
🤷🏻 The other party becomes aggressive
If you feel increased tension, verbal or physical aggression, it is safer to call the Police. It is better to let the authorities intervene.
🚗 More than two vehicles are involved
The amicable finding is only valid for accidents with two vehicles. For three or more, a report issued by the Police is required.
🥃 There are suspicions of alcohol or prohibited substances
If you suspect that the other driver is under the influence of alcohol or prohibited substances, contact the Police immediately. Only they can perform the necessary tests.
🏠 The accident occurred on private property
Even though it is tempting to act amicably, some insurance companies do not recognize accidents on private property without an official document. The police can issue a certificate that supports the file.
As you have previously observed, amicable is an effective solution, but not universal. In some cases, it simplifies procedures, in others it can confuse you if not used correctly. Inform yourself before signing, because safety and correctness are more important than haste! 📝