Traffic accidents happen frequently in Bali, and people usually try to resolve the situation immediately on the spot by agreeing on repairs and closing the matter without unnecessary formalities.
This seems like a normal and logical approach. However, local rules are different, and such attempts can lead to unpleasant consequences. It's important to understand how to act correctly immediately after an accident.
Our client was driving on the main road when a local biker suddenly came out from a side alley. Serious injuries were avoided, but the bike was damaged and needed repairs.
The police arrived at the scene of the accident. In the officers' presence, the second participant in the accident immediately admitted his fault.
Since everything seemed clear, the client asked if the perpetrator was ready to compensate for the damage. One of the police officers stopped the conversation and explained, "Demanding money here is not allowed — it can be considered extortion."
From the outside, this seems strange: the situation is clear, the perpetrator does not deny his fault, but you are told that such words can create problems.
The police explained the situation quite simply. Their task is to record the fact of the accident itself. Money, repairs, and agreements between the parties are not included in this.
Therefore, they suggested an option that initially seemed reasonable: to go with the perpetrator to a service center, show the bike to mechanics, find out the repair cost, and pay for everything there.
The idea seemed reasonable, but in practice, it turned out differently.
The police didn't go anywhere with them. Nobody recorded the perpetrator's contacts, did not record his details, or photographed documents or the vehicle.
The client went to the service center, relying on the honesty of the other party. On the way, the local biker simply turned into an alley and disappeared.
But on the way, the local biker simply turned into an alley and disappeared.
As a result, there were no remaining details to continue resolving the issue.
In Bali, verbal agreements after an accident don't work. To have a real chance of demanding compensation, everything must be formally documented: a police report with the parties' signatures, the perpetrator's details, photographs of documents and the vehicle, and recorded numbers.
Only with this can you proceed with a lawyer to resolve the issue legally.
Without this, any agreements remain just words, especially if a foreigner is involved in the situation.
If you are involved in an accident, the wisest step is to immediately contact a lawyer and insist on proper documentation of the incident. This significantly increases the chances of getting compensation and not turning a common road situation into a serious problem.
📩 Contact us for consultation in a convenient way!
📱Telegram: @legalindonesia / @LegalIndonesiaBot
📱WhatsApp: https://wa.me/628179677771
You can add one right now!