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Crashes

Being in a crash is stressful, but the law in The Bahamas is clear: you must stop, give information, and report the accident.

Staying calm and following the right steps can save lives, protect you legally, and simplify the insurance process.

  • You must stop immediately and give your name, address, licence, registration, and insurance details. [1]
  • If you do not exchange details at the scene, you must report the accident to police within 24 hours. [2]
  • Driving without valid insurance is an offence; vehicles may be impounded by police. [3]

Good Practice

  • Stop immediately — legal duty under the Road Traffic Act.
  • Switch off the engine and turn on hazard lights.
  • Check for injuries and call 911 for ambulance/police if needed.
  • Exchange details — name, address, phone, driver’s licence, registration, and insurance.
  • Gather witnesses — note names, contacts, and vehicle details.
  • Take photos — vehicles, damage, conditions, and surroundings.
  • Call the police if anyone is injured, liability is unclear, or a driver is unlicensed/uninsured.
  • Move vehicles aside once photos are taken, if safe, to avoid obstruction.

Special Considerations

  • At the scene: Record officer details if police attend. Do not argue or admit liability. [1]
  • After leaving: Notify your insurer promptly. Never make private repair agreements. [2]
  • Minor incidents: If all details are exchanged and no one is injured, a police report is not mandatory — but filing one provides an official record. [2]

Exam Pointers

  • You must know: failure to stop is always an offence. [1]
  • Expect questions like: “When must you report an accident to police?” → within 24 hours if details were not exchanged. [2]
  • You should know: driving without insurance is an offence; your vehicle may be impounded. [3]

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have an accident?
Stop immediately, switch on your hazard lights, check for injuries, and call 911 if necessary. Exchange names, addresses, licences, registration, and insurance details. Take photos and witness contacts. If you did not give full details at the scene, report the accident to the police within 24 hours. [1] [2]
What should you do when there is an accident?
Prioritize safety — check for injuries, warn other drivers, and call emergency services if needed. Exchange information, document the scene, and notify your insurance company as soon as possible. [1] [2]
What are the 5 steps you should follow if you are involved in a car accident?
  1. Stop and make sure everyone is safe.
  2. Call 911 for police or ambulance if required.
  3. Exchange information with the other driver(s).
  4. Take photos and gather witness details.
  5. Notify your insurance company and report to police within 24 hours if you did not exchange details at the scene. [1] [2]
Is it illegal to drive without insurance in The Bahamas?
Yes. Under the Road Traffic Act, every motor vehicle must be insured. Driving without insurance is a serious offence that can result in fines, imprisonment, or your vehicle being impounded. [3]
Do I have to call the police after every accident?
No. If there are no injuries and both drivers exchange full details, you are not required to make a separate report. You must call the police if anyone is hurt, if liability is disputed, or if a driver is unlicensed, uninsured, or refuses to cooperate. [1] [2]
Can I move my car after an accident?
Yes. Once photos are taken and both parties agree, vehicles should be moved to the roadside to avoid obstructing traffic. If there are injuries or serious damage, wait for the police before moving anything. [1]
What if the other driver refuses to give details?
If another driver refuses to provide their information, call the police immediately. Refusal is an offence under the Road Traffic Act, section 56. [1]
Should I still report a minor accident to the police?
Not if you properly exchange details at the scene and no one is hurt. However, filing a short report at the nearest station gives you an official record if the claim is later disputed. [2]
What details must I exchange after a crash?
Name, address, phone, driver’s licence, vehicle registration, and insurance information. Taking photos of the scene and damage is also strongly advised. [1]
Why notify my insurance company if we already agreed to settle privately?
Insurers require prompt notification of any accident. This ensures your coverage remains valid and protects you if the other driver later changes their story.

For Passengers

Passengers are also protected under the law:

  • If injured, ensure details are taken at the scene.
  • You may file a police report yourself.
  • Medical treatment should be documented for insurance.
  • Passengers have the right to claim against the driver or vehicle owner’s insurance.
  1. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 56 — Drivers must stop and provide name, address, registration, and insurance details after an accident. ↩
  2. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 57 — Drivers must report an accident to police within 24 hours if details were not exchanged at the scene. ↩
  3. Road Traffic Act (Ch. 220), s. 10 and s. 60A (2024 Amendment) — Driving without insurance is an offence; police may impound uninsured vehicles and require a release fee. ↩
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