Accident Abroad – How to Pursue Your Rights and Compensation in Europe?

An accident abroad is a situation that can completely disrupt your life. In a foreign country, with an unfamiliar legal system, a language barrier and the stress caused by the incident itself, many injured people do not know what rights they have or where they can seek help. It is worth knowing, however, that EU law and the regulations of individual countries provide broad protection for victims of road traffic accidents – regardless of their nationality or place of residence. Below, we explain what you should know about pursuing compensation after an accident abroad, what the typical difficulties are and how you can effectively claim the benefits you are entitled to.

In most European countries, including all European Union Member States, there is a system of compulsory third-party liability insurance for owners of motor vehicles. This means that if you are hit by a car, motorcycle or another vehicle – even as a pedestrian or cyclist – you have the right to pursue a claim under the liable party’s third-party liability insurance policy.

The basis for pursuing cross-border claims within the European Union is Directive 2009/103/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 September 2009, which harmonises the rules on motor vehicle insurance and compensation procedures. These regulations allow the injured party to:

report the claim directly to the foreign insurer or its claims representative in the injured party’s country of residence,
receive a decision within a reasonable period of time (up to 90 days),
pursue their rights before a court in their country of residence if the liable party comes from another EU Member State.

In practice, however – as our experience shows – these procedures can be unclear, and injured parties encounter numerous formal, linguistic and legal obstacles. That is why it is worth seeking professional legal assistance covering not only legal analysis, but also communication with foreign insurers, translations and representation of the injured party’s interests.

The aforementioned directive establishes the Compensation Body, whose role in Poland is performed by the Polish Motor Insurers’ Bureau (PBUK).

Typical problems faced by people injured in accidents abroad

People injured in accidents abroad most often report similar difficulties:

Lack of knowledge of local law – each country has its own regulations concerning claim deadlines, the amount of benefits and required documentation.
Language barrier – communicating with an insurer or authorities in a foreign language can be stressful and risky.
Lack of full knowledge of the claims available – many people limit their claims to compensation for pain and suffering, unaware that they may also be entitled to reimbursement of medical treatment, transport or lost earnings.
Underpayment of compensation – insurers often make initial settlement offers that do not reflect the actual extent of the damage or loss.
Difficulties obtaining documentation – particularly when the injured person has already left the country where the accident occurred.

From our experience, the sooner an injured person seeks legal assistance, the greater the chance of recovering full compensation. In many cases, it is also necessary to secure evidence, such as photographs from the accident scene, witness details, CCTV recordings or medical records. Read what information is needed to obtain compensation.

We pursue the full range of claims – not only compensation for pain and suffering

Compensation is not limited to an amount for physical or psychological suffering. In cases involving road traffic accidents abroad, our law firm takes a comprehensive approach to each case and seeks payment of all benefits to which the injured person is entitled. Depending on the type and consequences of the accident, these may include:

Compensation for pain and suffering – related to physical and psychological injuries.
Reimbursement of medical treatment and rehabilitation costs – including medical appointments, procedures, medication and medical equipment.
Reimbursement of medical transport or the cost of returning to the country of residence.
Compensation for destroyed or damaged property – such as clothing, a telephone, bicycle or luggage.
Compensation for lost income – if you were unable to work as a result of the accident.
Coverage of third-party care costs – if you required assistance from other people after the accident.
Compensatory pension – in cases of permanent health impairment.

We treat every case individually – we analyse the circumstances of the accident, medical documentation and the injured person’s personal situation in order to make the fullest possible use of the available legal remedies.

We do not limit ourselves to claims representatives – we act at the source

Unlike many companies that pursue compensation claims, we do not limit ourselves to communicating with foreign insurers’ representatives in Poland. Our team also takes direct action with foreign insurance companies. This allows us to conduct negotiations more quickly and effectively, determine the amount of compensation due more precisely and control the entire process without unnecessary delays.

Direct communication with an insurer abroad means greater transparency for the client, a more accurate assessment of the loss and a greater chance of obtaining full compensation.

Why is it worth contacting us?

Helping people with compensation claims is not only our work, but also our mission. We understand how difficult and stressful it can be to pursue your rights after an accident – especially in a foreign country, in another language and under an unfamiliar legal system. Thanks to our experience, we will:

take the burden of formalities off your shoulders – we will handle the entire process,
seek the highest benefits possible on your behalf,
handle the case on your behalf without requiring you to participate personally abroad,
charge no upfront fees – our remuneration depends on the success of the case.

Contact us

If you have been involved in an accident in one of the European countries and do not know how to obtain the compensation you are entitled to, do not wait. Contact our law firm and entrust your case to professionals. The initial assessment is free of charge and does not oblige you to use our services.