You were in an accident, and your car is damaged. You likely know you can claim for repairs. But what about everything else: your sore neck, the week you missed from work, or the taxi while your car was in the shop?
Many drivers only claim for their car, missing out on thousands of euros. They may not know what else they are entitled to or assume that filing additional claims is too troublesome.
Here’s what extra compensation you can claim and how to get it.
The Short Answer: You Can Claim for Much More Than Your Car
When an accident wasn’t your fault, you have the right to full restitution—restoring you to your pre-accident status.
This covers more than your car. It includes all losses from the accident: time, health, money, and peace of mind.
Common additional claims include the following:
1. Bodily Injury (Pain and Suffering)
If you sustained injuries, you may claim compensation. This covers:
- Whiplash or neck pain
- Back injuries
- Broken bones
- Cuts and bruises
- Head trauma
- Any other physical injury caused by the accident
How it is calculated: Insurers use a tariff system, or “compensation scale,” assigning values to different injuries. A minor whiplash might be worth €1,000-3,000. A broken bone €5,000-15,000. Serious, long-term injuries can be worth much more.
What you need: Medical reports. Doctor’s notes. Hospital records. X-rays or scans. Keep every document related to your injuries.
2. Loss of Earnings (Time Off Work)
If you missed work because of the accident, you can claim for your lost wages. This includes:
- Days you took off for medical appointments.
- Days you were unable to work because of injuries.
- Time spent recovering at home
- Time spent dealing with insurance claims (in some jurisdictions)
How it is calculated: Your daily or hourly wage multiplied by days missed. For example, if you earn €100 per day and miss 10 days, you can claim €1,000.
Provide pay stubs for verification, an employer letter stating missed days, and doctor notes confirming inability to work.
Self-employed workers can claim lost business income. Keep detailed records of earnings before and after the accident. Provide tax returns or invoices as evidence.
3. Medical Expenses
If you paid for medical treatment related to the accident, you can claim reimbursement. This includes:
- Doctor visit co-pays
- Physical therapy or chiropractic sessions
- Prescription medications
- Medical devices (crutches, braces, slings)
- Ambulance fees
- Hospital parking fees
How it is calculated: Add all your receipts and claim the total amount.
What you need: Every receipt and bill. Keep them organized by date.
Note: In countries with public healthcare, some medical costs may already be covered. You can still claim for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by the public system.
4. Transportation Costs (While Your Car Is Being Repaired)
If your car is in the shop, claim costs for replacement transportation, such as taxi or rideshare fares (e.g., Uber, Lyft).
- Public transit tickets or passes
- Rental car costs (if not covered by your insurance)
- Gas for a borrowed car
How it is calculated: Keep every receipt, add them up, and claim the total.
What you need: Receipts for every taxi, train ticket, and rental car. Do not pay cash without a receipt.
Limits: You can only claim for reasonable transportation. Taking a taxi across the city every day is reasonable. Taking a limousine is not.
5. Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Any money you spent because of the accident can be claimed. This includes:
- Towing fees (if not covered by insurance)
- Storage fees for your damaged car
- Parking fees while dealing with insurance or repairs
- Phone calls to your insurer (if you paid for calls)
- Postage for sending documents
- Childcare costs if you needed someone to watch your children while you dealt with the accident
How it is calculated: Keep every receipt. Every expense, no matter how small, adds up. Receipts. Bank statements. Any proof of payment.
6. Care and Assistance from Family
If a family member took time off work to care for you, you can claim their lost wages. If they cared for you without taking time off, you may still claim the value of that care.
How it is calculated: The hourly rate of a professional caregiver multiplied by the hours of care provided.
What you need: A log of who provided care, when, and for how long. A letter from your doctor confirming that you needed assistance.
7. Future Losses
If your injuries will affect you for months or years, you can claim for future losses. This includes:
- Future loss of earnings (if you cannot return to your previous job)
- Future medical expenses (ongoing physical therapy)
- Future care costs
- Reduced quality of life
How it is calculated: This is complex and likely requires a lawyer. The insurance company calculates the present value of future losses based on your age, life expectancy, and earning potential.
What you need: Medical experts. Financial experts. A lawyer. Do not try to calculate future losses on your own.
What You Cannot Claim
Some things are not claimable. These include:
- Emotional distress without physical injury (in most jurisdictions)
- Inconvenience (the accident was annoying, but that is not compensable)
- Time spent dealing with the claim (except in some specific cases)
- Punitive damages (except in cases of extreme negligence)
How to Claim for Additional Damages
Step 1: Document everything. Keep a notebook and write down every expense, missed workday, doctor visit, and receipt from day one. from day one.
Step 2: See a doctor.
Even if you feel fine, see a doctor. Some injuries like whiplash or concussion do not show symptoms immediately. A medical record obtained soon after the accident is valuable evidence.
Step 3: Keep a pain diary.
Write down how you feel every day. Note when you are in pain, cannot sleep, or cannot work. This diary can serve as evidence of your suffering.
Step 4: Submit your claim.
When filing your claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance, include all additional damages. List every expense, attach every receipt, and include your medical reports.
Step 5: Do not accept the first offer.
Insurance companies may start with a low offer, hoping it will be accepted. Do not settle immediately; instead, respond with your carefully calculated claim.
Step 6: Get a lawyer for serious injuries.
If your injuries are significant or your claim is large, hire a personal injury lawyer. They work on contingency (they get paid only if you win). A lawyer can negotiate much higher settlements than you can on your own.
The Bottom Line
When you are in an accident that is not your fault, you can claim much more than just car repairs. You can claim injuries, lost wages, medical expenses, transportation costs, out-of-pocket expenses, care from family, and future losses.
Document everything. See a doctor. Keep receipts. Write down how you feel. Submit a complete claim and do not accept the first offer.
Most drivers leave money on the table because they do not know what they are entitled to. Now you know. Do not be like most drivers.
