From 1 September 2026, new road traffic rules apply in Slovakia. They affect drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and users of electric scooters.
These changes are important not only for everyday driving. In the event of a car accident in Slovakia, they may affect who is considered responsible for the accident, who is liable for the damage and what compensation an injured person may claim.
Pedestrians and pedestrian crossings
Drivers must allow a pedestrian to cross safely not only when the pedestrian is already on the crossing, but also when the pedestrian is about to enter it. Drivers must also approach pedestrian crossings at a speed that allows them to stop if necessary.
However, pedestrians do not have absolute priority in every situation. They must not suddenly enter the road and must pay attention to traffic.
In an accident involving a pedestrian, the conduct of both parties may therefore be important. The speed of the vehicle, the driver’s reaction, the position of the pedestrian and whether either party breached their legal duties can all affect the assessment of liability.
Electric scooters, pavements and pedestrian zones
The new rules also regulate electric scooters and the use of pavements.
In pedestrian zones, the maximum permitted speed is 10 km/h.
The law also regulates other situations that may become important after an accident, including a driver’s duties when turning and the prohibition on reversing at a traffic-controlled intersection.
Were you injured in a car accident in Slovakia?
If you suffer an injury in a road traffic accident as a driver, passenger, pedestrian or cyclist, you may be entitled to financial compensation.
Depending on the consequences of the accident, your claim may include:
- compensation for pain and suffering,
- compensation for permanent consequences of the injury,
- loss of earnings,
- medical and treatment-related expenses,
- property damage,
- and, in appropriate cases, compensation for non-material harm.
An insurance company does not necessarily pay everything you are entitled to automatically. In practice, an insurer may reduce a claim, dispute part of it or refuse payment.
I represent injured persons and victims of road traffic accidents when claiming compensation from insurance companies, the person responsible for the accident and within criminal proceedings.
Injured in a car accident in Slovakia?
If you are unsure what compensation you are entitled to or whether the insurance company has offered you the correct amount, contact me. I assess the case based on the specific circumstances of the accident and the consequences of the injury.
Are you accused of causing a road traffic accident?
A traffic accident involving injury may also lead to criminal proceedings against the driver.
In such cases, I examine the circumstances of the accident, witness statements, CCTV or dashcam footage, expert reports, vehicle speed, the driver’s ability to react and any possible contribution of the injured person to the accident.
I also provide criminal defence to drivers who are accused or prosecuted in connection with a road traffic accident in Slovakia.
English-speaking lawyer for car accidents in Slovakia
If you are a foreign national involved in a road traffic accident in Slovakia, dealing with the police, an insurance company or criminal proceedings in another language can make the situation considerably more difficult.
I provide legal assistance in English to foreign clients involved in road traffic accidents in Slovakia.
Whether you are an injured person seeking compensation or a driver facing criminal proceedings, I can communicate with the relevant authorities, insurance companies and other parties on your behalf.
Your English-speaking lawyer in Slovakia
If you are dealing with a car accident in Slovakia, personal injury, an insurance claim, compensation or criminal proceedings, contact me.
You can communicate with me directly in English.