If you're in a car accident in Korea, securing safety and helping the injured always comes before insurance, police, or hospital. Here's the order to follow so you don't panic.
Step 0: do these three immediately
- Turn on hazard lights and secure safety — move to the shoulder if possible, set up a warning triangle, and get people outside the guardrail
- Check for injuries — call 119 first if anyone is seriously hurt, losing consciousness, or bleeding
- Capture photos and video — the accident location, signals and signs, damage, license plates, and dashcam footage
When to call the police (112) first
Call 112 first if anyone is injured (even minor pain), the other party flees or refuses insurance or ID, you suspect drunk or unlicensed driving, fault is heavily disputed, or there's facility damage or road danger. Clearly state the location (road name or landmark), whether anyone is hurt, and whether a lane is blocked.
Insurance and hospital
After securing the scene, report to your insurer (most operate 24 hours) and exchange claim numbers with the other party's insurer. At the scene, exchange the other driver's name, contact, plate number, insurer, and any witness contacts, but don't make on-the-spot admissions like 'it's 100% my fault.' Even without pain, see a doctor the same day if possible to create a record, since pain often appears the next day.
Accident response order: safety, 112, insurance, and hospital