Section 134 MV Act
What must I do if I'm the driver after a crash and someone is injured?
Short answer
You must try to get medical help for the injured and report the accident to police within 24 hours.
In detail
If you are driving a vehicle that gets into an accident and a person is hurt or third‑party property is damaged, the law says you must first try to get the injured person medical help. This means taking them to the nearest doctor or hospital, unless it is impossible because of mob fury or some other reason beyond your control, and unless the injured person or their guardian refuses. Next, you must give any police officer on the scene the information they ask for. If no officer is present, you must go to the nearest police station and report what happened, including why you could not get medical help, as soon as possible and definitely within 24 hours. You also have to provide written details of the accident – such as the insurance policy number, date, time, place, details of the injured or dead, and the driver’s name and licence – to the insurer that issued the policy. The term “driver” also covers the vehicle’s owner. A person who helps voluntarily, called a Good Samaritan, is protected from civil or criminal liability for any mistake made while assisting.
Related questions
Can I appeal a motor vehicle claims tribunal award if I disagree?
Yes – you may appeal to the High Court within 90 days, but if you must pay you need to deposit up to Rs 25,000 (or half the award, whichever is less) and the dispute must be at least Rs 1 lakh.
Who can file a claim for compensation after a motor vehicle accident?
The injured person, the property owner, the deceased’s legal heirs, or an authorized agent can file a claim.
What penalty can I face if I drive against sections 3 or 4?
You may be jailed up to three months, fined up to ₹5,000, or both.
What must I do if police ask me for driver details of my vehicle?
You must give the police the driver’s name, address and licence information that you have or can reasonably discover.
Not legal advice. This is general legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and every case turns on its own facts — speak to a lawyer about your situation.