B1Spanish

Car Accident or Breakdown

Essential phrases for communicating clearly during a car breakdown or minor accident, from checking for injuries to calling for assistance.

Key Phrases

Voice
Checking for injuries · 2 ways to say it

¿Estás bien? ¿Te has hecho daño?

casual

Are you okay? Are you hurt?

Use immediately after a crash when speaking to the other driver.

¿Se encuentran todos bien?

polite

Is everybody okay?

More polite and plural; useful if there are passengers in the other vehicle.

Reporting injuries · 2 ways to say it

Necesitamos una ambulancia, creo que alguien está herido.

neutral

We need an ambulance, I think someone is hurt.

Clear and direct for when calling emergency services (112 in Spain).

Por suerte nadie está herido, ha sido solo un susto.

casual

Luckily nobody is hurt, it was just a scare.

A natural way to reassure someone that it is just minor damage.

Exchanging details · 2 ways to say it

¿Podemos intercambiar los datos del seguro por favor?

polite

Can we exchange insurance details, please?

The standard, polite way to ask the other driver for their information.

Pásame tu número y los datos de tu compañía de seguros.

casual

Give me your number and your insurance company's details.

More direct; commonly used once the initial shock has passed.

Calling the police

¿Crees que deberíamos llamar a la policía para hacer un parte?

neutral

Do you think we should call the police to make a report?

A 'parte' is the official accident report form used by insurance companies.

Dealing with a breakdown

Mi coche se ha averiado en la autopista y no arranca.

neutral

My car has broken down on the highway and it won't start.

Use this when calling your roadside assistance.

Requesting a tow truck · 2 ways to say it

Creo que es necesario que envíen una grúa para remolcarlo.

polite

I think it is necessary that you send a tow truck to tow it.

Clear and formal request for a towing service.

Necesito una grúa, el coche me ha dejado tirado.

casual

I need a tow truck, the car left me stranded.

Uses the very common everyday idiom 'dejar tirado' (to leave stranded).

Giving location · 2 ways to say it

Estoy en la carretera principal, justo antes de llegar a la gasolinera.

neutral

I am on the main road, right before getting to the gas station.

Useful when giving landmarks to an operator.

No sé exactamente dónde estoy, pero veo un cartel que dice "Salida 15".

casual

I don't know exactly where I am, but I see a sign that says "Exit 15".

Natural phrasing when you are disoriented on the highway.

Explaining the accident · 2 ways to say it

Lo siento mucho, no te he visto al cambiar de carril.

casual

I am so sorry, I didn't see you when changing lanes.

Taking responsibility in a direct, everyday manner.

El coche de delante frenó de repente y no pude evitar el golpe.

neutral

The car in front braked suddenly and I couldn't avoid the crash.

Good for explaining the sequence of events without taking full blame.

Ensuring safety

Voy a poner los triángulos y las luces de emergencia para que nos vean.

neutral

I am going to put up the triangles and the hazard lights so they can see us.

Essential safety communication if the car is blocking traffic.

Practice Dialogue

At-fault Driver
¿Estás bien? ¿Te has hecho daño?
Other Driver
Sí, estoy bien. Solo ha sido el susto. ¿Y tú?
At-fault Driver
Bien también. Lo siento mucho, el coche de delante frenó de repente.
Other Driver
Ya... Bueno, por suerte no íbamos muy rápido.
At-fault Driver
¿Crees que deberíamos llamar a la policía para el parte?
Other Driver
No creo que sea necesario, el golpe es pequeño.
At-fault Driver
Vale, pues ¿podemos intercambiar los datos del seguro entonces?
Other Driver
Claro. Pásame tu número y te apunto mi compañía.

More Emergencies & Safety (B1)

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