Road traffic accident in Hungary? English-speaking criminal defence lawyer, 0–24
Many foreign drivers travel through or work in Hungary. If someone is seriously injured or killed in an accident, criminal proceedings are almost always opened against the driver. The outcome often depends on the technical expert opinion, so the defence needs to be involved from the start.
Dr. László-Tamás Benő: +36 70 379 0245 (0–24)
What does Hungarian law say?
Causing a road traffic accident (Section 235): negligently breaking traffic rules and causing serious injury (healing time over 8 days) or death.
Endangering road traffic (Section 234): exposing others to direct danger, even without an accident.
Leaving the scene of an accident (Section 239): if the driver does not stop, or leaves before checking whether anyone has been injured.
What penalty can you face?
- Accident causing serious injury: up to 1 year; permanent disability: up to 3 years; death: 1 to 5 years; more than two deaths: 2 to 8 years
- Endangering traffic: up to 3 years; with serious injury: 1 to 5 years; with death: 5 to 10 years
- Leaving the scene of an accident: up to 1 year
In addition to the sentence, the court may impose a driving ban. For offences against life, physical integrity and health, traffic offences and offences against property (misdemeanours, or felonies punishable by up to 3 years), admitting the offence before indictment and compensating the victim through mediation accepted by the victim can lead to no punishment at all; for offences punishable by up to 5 years the sentence can be reduced without limit (Section 29). This does not apply, among others, to repeat offenders, offences committed in a criminal organisation, or where the offence caused death.
What should you do now?
- Do not make a statement without a lawyer.
- Ask for an interpreter in your own language.
- Ask for copies of the official records and call us before the interview.
- If a family member has been detained in Hungary, find out where they are being held and call us immediately.
How we help
- We explain every document and every step of the procedure in English
- Taking part in the technical expert examination and putting questions to the expert
- Independent expert if the official expert opinion is open to challenge
- Settlement with the victim, mediation
- Arguing for the shortest possible driving ban
Frequently asked questions
Does every accident lead to criminal proceedings?
No. If the injury heals within 8 days or there is only damage to property, it is usually not a criminal offence.
Does it matter if the other driver was also at fault?
Yes, the victim’s contribution can reduce or even exclude liability; this is established by the expert opinion.
I live abroad. Who will try my case?
An offence committed in Hungary is dealt with by the Hungarian authorities. We can represent you and keep you informed in English.
Call us now, day or night
Dr. László-Tamás Benő: +36 70 379 0245
Office: Falk Miksa utca 4, mezzanine 4, 1055 Budapest (by appointment only)
See also: Detained or arrested in Hungary · Hungarian version