Essential information
What to do after a car accident in Gozo
A calm, practical guide for visitors involved in a collision, including who to call, what to do while waiting, what not to do and the extra steps required when driving a hire car.
Call 112 when anyone is injured or in immediate danger
Also call 112 for fire, leaking fuel, a trapped person, a dangerous road blockage, suspected serious offences or damage to government property. Give the exact location, direction of travel, number of vehicles and known injuries. Follow the operator’s instructions.
Call 112First, identify which procedure applies
Visitors sometimes refer to the attending official as a Transport Malta agent. In most damage only collisions that are not a simple front to rear impact, the Malta Police directs drivers to call LESA. A LESA traffic warden normally attends and records the collision.
Situation one
Injury, danger or serious obstruction
Call 112. Do not move injured people unless they face immediate danger. Do not remove a motorcyclist’s helmet unless it is essential and you are trained. Leave vehicles and debris in place unless emergency services instruct you otherwise or remaining there creates immediate danger.
Situation two
Simple front to rear impact with no injury
Photograph the position and damage, complete the official Front To Rear Form at the scene and make sure both drivers sign it and keep a copy. If the vehicles obstruct traffic, move them to a safe place after recording the scene.
Download the Front To Rear FormSituation three
Another collision with no injury
Call the LESA collision reporting line on +356 2132 0202. Unless an official tells you otherwise, do not move the vehicles before the warden records the scene. Move yourself away from live traffic while you wait.
Call LESA on +356 2132 0202What to do immediately
Make the scene safer
- Stop as soon as it is safe and switch off the engine.
- Turn on the hazard lights.
- Check drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians for injury.
- Wear a reflective vest if one is available and you can put it on safely.
- Keep people away from moving traffic and do not smoke near the vehicles.
- Note the exact road, nearby landmark and direction of travel.
Record useful evidence
- Take wide photographs before close photographs if it is safe.
- Include vehicle positions, damage, registration plates, road signs, markings and surrounding conditions.
- Exchange names, addresses, telephone numbers, driving licence details, registration details and insurer information.
- Ask independent witnesses for their contact details.
- Keep original photographs, messages, receipts and any official reference number.
While waiting for the warden or emergency services
- Remain at the scene unless an official directs you to leave.
- Stand in a safe place and never wait in a live traffic lane.
- Do not argue about blame, admit liability or sign an account you do not understand.
- Do not offer or accept cash as a private settlement at the roadside.
- Do not arrange repairs or recovery before speaking to your insurer or hire company, except where urgent action is needed for safety.
- Tell the attending official if language is a problem and ask for the report or reference details.
If the vehicle is a hire car
The road procedure is the same, but your rental agreement may add reporting and recovery requirements. Contact the hire company as soon as everyone is safe.
Do
- Call the emergency or assistance number printed on the rental agreement or key tag.
- Follow the company’s instructions about recovery, replacement transport and where the vehicle should be left.
- Give the company the LESA or Police report details and complete its accident form.
- Photograph all sides of the vehicle, its interior and any existing damage.
- Notify any separate excess insurance provider within its stated time limit.
- Keep receipts and written confirmation of every instruction.
Do not
- Do not arrange a repair without the rental company’s prior consent.
- Do not choose a tow operator unless the company or an attending official approves it, except where immediate safety requires action.
- Do not abandon the vehicle, keys or documents without clear instructions.
- Do not assume that a collision damage waiver removes every charge. Excesses, exclusions and reporting conditions may still apply.
Useful contacts and official guidance
Emergency services
For injury, immediate danger, fire or serious obstruction.
Call 112LESA collision reporting
For most collisions without injury that are not a simple front to rear impact.
Call +356 2132 0202Malta Police guidance
Official procedure for road traffic incidents.
Read the official guidanceTransport Malta Road Code
Official safety duties and conduct at a collision scene.
Read the Road Code