Road Accident in Brazil: Portuguese Phrases to Get Help
In a road emergency, communicate where the accident happened, how many vehicles are involved, and what you can observe safely.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 15, 2026
The short answer
For urgent medical help, Brazil's SAMU number is 192; for Fire Department response and rescue, call 193. The national code 191 reaches Federal Highway Police for federal highway matters. Road authority and local response procedures can vary, so use the service appropriate to the immediate need.
Choose the service that matches the situation
This guide is for language practice. Do not put yourself in danger to inspect an accident; follow dispatcher and local authority instructions.
Houve um acidente na rodovia.
There has been an accident on the highway.
Preciso de atendimento médico no local.
I need medical assistance at the scene.
Give a precise road location
On a highway, state its name or number, direction of travel, kilometer marker, and the closest exit or town if you can see them. In a city, give the street and nearest intersection.
Say the details separately so the listener can confirm them. If you are using a map, read the location displayed on the screen rather than guessing.
O acidente aconteceu na BR-040, sentido Brasília, perto do quilômetro 12.
The accident happened on BR-040, toward Brasília, near kilometer 12.
Estamos na esquina da Rua A com a Avenida B.
We are at the corner of Rua A and Avenida B.
Report only what you can see safely
Describe the number of vehicles and whether traffic is blocked. If you can see that someone may be hurt, report that; avoid diagnosing injuries. Tell the dispatcher if there are other visible risks such as smoke or a vehicle in a live lane.
Wait in a safe place and follow directions from emergency personnel. Keep your message short and update the dispatcher if the situation changes.
Dois carros estão envolvidos e uma faixa está bloqueada.
Two cars are involved and one lane is blocked.
Não consigo confirmar se alguém está ferido.
I cannot confirm whether anyone is injured.
Put it into practice
Give the road location first, describe only what you can safely observe, and follow the official response team's instructions.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “I need medical assistance at the scene”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
Keep practicing with the Real Life Portuguese app
Build on this guide with everyday expressions and native Brazilian audio. Choose iPhone, Android, or the web app.