Compensation after road accidents

road accident - RCA compensation

Lawyer Andreea Chelaru

Compensation after road accidents

If you are a victim in a road accident, RCA covers material and moral damages, and even loss of use. It’s important to document damages properly and follow legal steps to obtain the amounts due.

Mandatory auto civil liability insurance (RCA) covers the tort liability of the vehicle owner or user for damage caused to a third party. If you were in an accident caused by someone else, you can claim compensation for bodily injury or death (material and moral), property damage, and in some cases loss of use of the damaged vehicle. In such situations, legal assistance in obtaining compensation becomes essential to protect the rights and interests of the victim.

Types of compensation

Bodily injury or death

An injured passenger or the heirs of a deceased person can claim compensation for the harm suffered, even if the accident was caused by the driver of the vehicle they were in. Rights also exist for relatives of the liable driver. Claims are generally made within 3 years from the accident (the term can vary by the law of the state where the accident occurred).

Material compensation

The Civil Code obliges the author of the damage to repair both the actual loss and the loss of profit. Covered expenses can include car repairs, loss of income, loss of use of the vehicle, medical expenses, transport, funeral costs, etc., proven with supporting documents. Aspects related to civil liability following road accidents and RCA insurance coverage may require specialized legal analysis.

Moral compensation

Psychological suffering has no direct monetary equivalent, but compensation may be granted for the impact on family and social life caused by the unlawful act. These amounts aim to ease the victim’s suffering.

Special situations

Liable vehicle registered abroad

If the accident happened in Romania, compensation is covered by the foreign insurer of the liable vehicle. You can claim repair costs, loss of income, loss of use, and material and moral compensation for bodily injury or death, within the conditions and limits of the policy.

Accident outside Romania

If the accident happened abroad, compensation is covered by the insurer of the liable vehicle in that state. Depending on the law of the place, you can claim repair costs, loss of income, loss of use, and material and moral compensation for bodily injury or death.