Recovery of damage after a road accident begins with a reliable calculation and evidence of the event, loss and legal responsibility. The correct route may involve compulsory insurance, a direct claim against the responsible person, a claim for the difference not covered by insurance, or a combination of these routes.
Calculate the claim from evidence
- accident documents, photographs and video;
- documents showing ownership or lawful possession of the vehicle;
- repair estimates, expert reports, invoices and proof of payment;
- insurance correspondence and payment documents;
- evidence explaining why a further sum is claimed from another person.
Choose the proper respondent
The insurer and the person responsible for damage may have different obligations. For example, insurance coverage is governed by the applicable compulsory-insurance rules, while a civil claim for uncompensated loss turns on the facts, causal connection and the rules on liability for harm. The claim should distinguish these amounts and explain the legal basis for each.
Pre-trial demand
A written demand should set out the accident, the amount sought, the calculation, supporting documents and a payment deadline. Preserve proof that it was sent. A clear settlement proposal can be practical, but it should not waive rights unintentionally or obscure the calculation.
Court proceedings
If the dispute is not resolved, the court will assess fault or other grounds for responsibility, causation, actual loss, payment already received and evidence for costs. An expert report can be important but is assessed together with all other materials.
Legal framework
Key provisions include Articles 15, 1064 and 1079 of the Russian Civil Code, together with compulsory motor-liability insurance rules where applicable. This material is general information and is not a damage calculation for a particular accident.