Kanoon SamjhoIndian law, made simple
Traffic Laws

Act fast

I accidentally hit someone with my vehicle. What should I do?

Simple answer

Stop and get the injured person medical help right away: take them to the nearest hospital or call 112/108. Then report to the police, within 24 hours at the latest, and inform your insurer in writing. Running away is a separate offence and makes your case worse.

Real-life examples

Arjun's car hit a pedestrian in Lucknow at night. He took the man to hospital and reported it at the police station. Police registered a case for negligent driving causing hurt, which is bailable, and Arjun was released on bail. His insurer will handle the victim's claim.

Lakshmi's scooter hit a boy in a crowded market, and an angry mob gathered. Fearing for her safety, she left and went straight to the nearest police station to report it. The law allows this, as long as she reports within 24 hours.

What should you do?

  1. 1Stop safely, switch on hazard lights and call 112 or 108.
  2. 2Take the injured person to the nearest hospital, unless they or their guardian say no.
  3. 3Report to the police officer at the spot, or at the nearest police station within 24 hours.
  4. 4Inform your insurer in writing: policy number, date, time, place, injured person's details, and the driver's name and licence.
  5. 5Save evidence: photos, dashcam or CCTV footage, and witness names.
  6. 6Talk to a criminal lawyer, especially if someone is badly hurt or has died. Call NALSA at 15100 for free legal aid.

Exceptions & limits

  • If staying is unsafe because of an angry mob or a similar reason, you may leave, but report at the nearest police station as soon as possible and within 24 hours.
  • If the person dies, police usually register a case of causing death by negligence (BNS 106), punishable with up to 5 years' jail and fine.
  • If you were drunk, or had no licence or insurance, there are extra charges, and you may have to pay compensation yourself.

Official legal reference

  • Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 134

    The driver must get medical help for the injured, report to police within 24 hours, and inform the insurer in writing.

    Read the official text

  • Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 187

    Failing these duties: up to 6 months' jail, or a fine up to ₹5,000, or both; more for a repeat.

    Read the official text

  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — Sections 125, 281

    Rash driving on a public road, and rash or negligent acts that endanger life or cause hurt or grievous hurt.

    Earlier: IPC Sections 279, 336, 337, 338Read the official text

  • Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — Section 106(1)

    Causing death by a rash or negligent act: up to 5 years' jail and fine.

    Earlier: IPC Section 304ARead the official text

Where to get help

Emergency (ERSS)

Police, fire or ambulance in an emergency, anywhere in India.

Call 112

Ambulance

Emergency ambulance (available in most states).

Call 108

NALSA Free Legal Aid

Free lawyer and legal advice for eligible people through Legal Services Authorities.

Call 15100nalsa.gov.in

Source & status

Applies to
All of India
Law in force since
1 Jul 2024
Legal review
Draft — awaiting lawyer review

Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.

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