What to Do If You Crash: The Emergency Protocol

Updated 04/01/26

No one plans to crash, but you must have a plan in case you do.
In the chaos of an accident, adrenaline takes over. You need a checklist to ensure you don’t make a legal or medical mistake.

To see the bigger picture, note that this post is part of our Vietnam Motorcycle Legal Vault, where you can access our full library of legal advice and rider requirements.

Step 1: The Golden Minute (Safety)

1. Stop & Breathe: Do not try to stand up immediately. Check your body. Can you move your fingers and toes?

2. Secure the Scene: If you can move, get off the road. If the bike is in a dangerous blind spot, move it. However: If there is a serious injury or a dispute with a local, DO NOT move the bike until police arrive (unless it’s life-threatening). The position of the vehicles is key evidence.

Step 2: The "Local Factor" (De-escalation)

If you hit a local (or a buffalo/dog), a crowd will gather within seconds.

Keep Your Helmet On: It protects you from more than just the asphalt.

Stay Calm: Do not shout. Do not blame. Even if it was their fault, getting angry will turn the crowd against you.

Call Us: Dial the Rentabike Support Line immediately. Hand the phone to a local so we can translate and de-escalate the situation.

Step 3: Medical Decisions

Minor Cuts (Road Rash):Clean it thoroughly. Infection is the real danger in Vietnam’s humidity. Go to a local pharmacy (Nhà Thuốc) for iodine and bandages.

Broken Bones / Internal Pain: Go to a hospital.

In Cities: Go to an International Hospital (Vinmec, French Hospital, Family Medical Practice). They speak English and accept foreign insurance.

In Remote Areas: Go to the nearest District Hospital (Bệnh Viện Đa Khoa) for stabilization, then arrange transport to Hanoi/HCMC.

Step 4: The Insurance Call

Before you pay for anything expensive, call your Travel Insurance provider.

The Trap: Do not admit liability. Just state the facts.

The Paperwork: They will demand a police report. If the police did not attend the scene (common for minor crashes), you may need to go to the local station to file a report retroactively. This is difficult without a translator — we can help you with this.

Step 5: The Bike

Damage: If the bike is rideable, continue. If not, put it on a truck/bus.

Honesty: Tell us about the crash. 1. because we are not stupid and will know and 2. because we want to repair the bike correctly so it is safe for the next rider. YOU could be the next rider, right?

FAQ

Should I pay the local person "on the spot"?

If the accident is minor and clearly your fault, settling with cash on the spot (Civil Agreement) is the standard Vietnamese way to avoid police involvement. However, do not open your wallet immediately. This signals you have money and can attract a crowd. Call us first. We will speak to the other party to negotiate a fair price so you don’t get extorted.

Does the "115" Ambulance service work?

In major cities, yes, but it is slow and they rarely speak English. In rural areas (like Ha Giang or the Ho Chi Minh Road), waiting for an ambulance can take hours. It is almost always faster to flag down a taxi, a truck, or a private car to take the injured person to the nearest clinic. Vietnamese drivers are generally very helpful in emergencies.

My insurance says I need a Police Report. How do I get one?

This is the hardest part. If the police did not attend the scene, they will not issue a report automatically. You must go to the police station nearest to the crash site. Warning: If you were riding without a valid license (No IDP), the police may fine you or impound the bike when you report the crash. Contact us before going to the station so we can guide you.

Who pays for the damage to the rental bike?

Unless you purchased a specific Damage Waiver package from us, you are responsible for the cost of repairs. We do not profit from repairs—we charge standard garage rates. If the bike is totaled, you are liable for the replacement value stated in your contract.

What if the police seize the bike after a crash?

If there is a serious injury, the police will impound all vehicles involved for investigation. This can last from 1 week to 2 months. In this scenario, your rental contract continues, and you may be liable for the rental fees during the impound period. This is why riding safely and legally is your best financial protection.