It just happened

This is a brief orientation. Go to the full checklist for step-by-step guidance on what to do.

The three most important things right now

  1. Call 112. This is the national emergency number. It dispatches ambulances and can identify the nearest hospital that provides cashless treatment under the government scheme.
  2. Get to a designated hospital. Cashless treatment up to ₹1.5 lakh is available — but only at hospitals designated under the 2025 scheme. Ask the hospital whether it is designated. If not, ask about transfer.
  3. Tell the hospital this is a road accident case. Use those exact words. This triggers the cashless treatment protocol and the police notification process.

Key numbers to know

  • 112 — National emergency (ambulance, police)
  • 108 — Ambulance in most states
  • 14555 — National Health Authority (cashless treatment problems)

You are legally entitled to a free copy of the FIR immediately after it is recorded. You are entitled to cashless emergency treatment. You do not need to pay a lawyer — the District Legal Services Authority provides free legal help for road accident cases.

Full step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours

All helpline numbers