B1English

Car Accident or Breakdown

Use these phrases to stay safe, communicate clearly, and get help after a car accident or breakdown.

Key Phrases

Voice
Checking for injuries · 2 ways to say it

Are you okay?

casual

Ask this immediately after a minor accident.

Is anyone hurt?

neutral
Calling emergency services · 2 ways to say it

We need to call 911.

casual

US emergency number. In the UK, call 999.

Please send an ambulance.

polite

Use when speaking directly to the emergency operator.

Describing location · 2 ways to say it

We've broken down on the side of the highway.

neutral

US

We've broken down on the side of the motorway.

neutral

UK

Assessing the damage · 2 ways to say it

It looks like just a scratch.

casual

My car is badly damaged.

neutral
Exchanging details · 2 ways to say it

Can we exchange insurance information?

neutral

US

Could we swap insurance details?

neutral

UK

Reporting a breakdown · 2 ways to say it

My car won't start.

casual

The battery is completely dead.

neutral
Arranging a tow · 2 ways to say it

I need to call for a tow truck.

neutral

US

I need to call a recovery vehicle.

neutral

UK

Staying safe · 2 ways to say it

Put your hazard lights on.

casual

A direct instruction used in urgent situations.

We should move the cars out of the road.

neutral

Practice Dialogue

Driver
Are you okay? That was a really hard stop.
Other Driver
Yeah, I'm fine. Is anyone hurt in your car?
Driver
No, we're all okay. It looks like just a scratch on the bumper, anyway.
Other Driver
Right. We should move the cars out of the road.
Driver
Good idea. I'll put my hazard lights on.
Other Driver
So, can we exchange insurance information?
Driver
Sure. Do we need to call the police?
Other Driver
I don't think so. Nobody is hurt, and my car is fine to drive.
Driver
Okay, great. Let's just take pictures of our IDs, then.

More Emergencies & Safety (B1)

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