Staying calm is vital to making the right decisions. Málaga has clear protocols and very efficient emergency services, so here are the steps to follow in a structured way:
1. The PAS Protocol (Protect, Alert, Succour)
Before calling anyone, ensure that the surroundings are safe to prevent a second accident.
- Protect: Stop the car in a safe place, put on your high-visibility vest, and place the warning triangles (or the V-16 beacon) 50 metres away.
- Alert: Call 112. This is the free emergency number and will coordinate the Málaga Local Police, the Civil Guard (Traffic Division), and medical services.
- Succour: Do not move any injured persons unless there is a risk of fire or explosion.
2. Key Contacts in Málaga
The jurisdiction changes depending on where the accident occurred:
| Accident Zone | Emergency Service | Telephone |
|---|---|---|
| Urban area / City centre | Málaga Local Police | 092 |
| Motorways (A-7, MA-20, A-45) | Civil Guard (Traffic) | 062 |
| General Emergencies | Andalusia Emergencies | 112 |
3. Documentation and Police Report
If there are no serious injuries and the other driver is cooperative, the ideal course of action is to fill out an Agreed Statement of Facts (the blue and yellow form).
- Photos and Witnesses: Take photos of the damage, the position of the vehicles, and the road signage. If there are witnesses, ask for their names and telephone numbers.
- The Police Report: If there are injuries or the other driver does not admit fault (or flees the scene), demand the presence of the police to draw up an official report. This is essential for future claims.
4. Referral Medical Centres
In Málaga, if you need to go to A&E (accident and emergency) for trauma, the main public centres are:
- Hospital Regional (formerly Carlos Haya): The referral centre for complex traumatology.
- Hospital Clínico Universitario (Teatinos): Covers the western and university areas.
- Hospital Costa del Sol: If the accident occurred towards the Marbella/Estepona area.
Additionally, you can attend any private hospital, such as Quirón, Chip, Gálvez, or El Ángel, which are part of the Private Healthcare Agreement for Traffic Accidents.
Important note: Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask injuries such as whiplash. Attend a medical centre within the first 72 hours so it is recorded in your medical history for insurance purposes.
5. Subsequent Steps
- Insurance: You have a period of 7 days to inform your insurance company.
- Free choice of solicitor: Most policies include legal defence, which allows you to hire an independent solicitor at no extra cost to claim compensation.
