Need a Truck Accident Attorney in Thailand?

If you’ve found yourself in a car, motorbike, or truck accident while on the road in Thailand, Thai law dictates you have the right to pursue legal action if you believe another party is at fault. Depending on the reason behind the crash, you can press criminal charges, file a civil lawsuit, or take both legal actions against the person responsible. However, bear in mind you need to act fast to receive the compensation you need. 

Continue reading to learn about what to do in case of an auto accident and what legal options you have at your disposal as a foreigner. 

What to Do if You’re Involved in a Truck, Car, or Motorcycle Accident in Thailand

After being involved in a car, motorcycle, or truck accident, the most important thing to do is remain on the scene until you’ve sorted everything out with the authorities. Fleeing the scene may raise suspicion and forfeit your right to obtain a police report (which is needed for filing a claim). Even if it’s their fault, the other driver might also file a claim against you. 

You will also need to contact the necessary authorities to report the incident or, if necessary, to seek medical assistance. Here are some important numbers to note down:

• Thai emergency number: 191
• Tourist police number: 1155
• Ambulance (if a medical emergency is needed): 1669

Next, contact your insurance company to submit a claim and secure coverage for any damages or injuries. Before leaving the scene of the traffic collision, gather any evidence needed for filing your claim, such as photos of both vehicles and the insurance details of the other parties involved.

Pursuing Legal Action for Car Accident Damages in Thailand

If the truck, car, or motorcycle accident you were involved in wasn’t your fault, you can pursue legal action against the party you believe to be responsible. As mentioned above, you have the options of filing a civil lawsuit as well as pressing criminal charges, and you can do both simultaneously.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim in Thailand for a Traffic Collision

A personal injury claim is considered a civil case in Thailand, where you aim to receive compensation from a car accident you did not cause. Under section 420 of the Thai Civil and Commercial Code (TCCC), you have the right to lodge a claim against the person responsible for the accident, especially if it resulted in damage to your physical health or property. 

With a successful personal injury claim in Thailand, you may be awarded compensation to cover related expenses, including:

• Hospital expenses
• Lost income during recovery
• Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation costs
• Repair or replacement of damaged property

However, according to Thai law, there is a time limit involved. You must file a personal injury claim within 1 year following the day of the accident. If a family member was in the accident and either cannot file from their end or has passed away from their injuries, you can file a claim on their behalf. 

Pressing Criminal Charges Against the Person Responsible for the Traffic Accident

If you believed the driver who caused the accident had broken traffic laws, suspected they were under the influence, or drove recklessly, you can file a complaint with the police to press charges against them. This would initiate a criminal case, which is handled by a public prosecutor instead of your auto accident attorney. 

You can press charges alongside the civil case, which will be a separate but concurrent process. While the public prosecutor is usually appointed as the plaintiff, you may also request to assume the plaintiff’s role, as you can in civil proceedings. Unlike civil cases, a criminal case will not award you any compensation and will instead lead to legal consequences, such as imprisonment for the person at fault. 

The Importance of a Thai Car or Truck Accident Lawyer

Whether you want to press charges, file a lawsuit, or both, you must retain the services of a qualified and bilingual auto accident lawyer to guide you through the process from start to finish. Both civil and criminal proceedings in Thailand can be lengthy, expensive, and procedurally different from those in other countries. Given the complexities of Thai law, it is virtually impossible to achieve success by yourself, especially as a foreigner.

Here is why you need an experienced car or truck accident lawyer by your side:

• Pursuing legal action against a person requires sufficient evidence that proves they were responsible for the accident. Your lawyer will prepare all important documentation on this that supports your claim. 
• Lawyers can look into alternative ways to resolve the issue to prevent it from escalating into a lengthy and expensive court battle.
• If your case goes to trial, you need strong representation in court to make your case to the judge and ensure a positive outcome. 
• All court and police proceedings are handled in Thai. A bilingual lawyer will prevent any confusion or misinterpretations from occurring. 
• If the outcome isn’t in your favor, your lawyer will assist you in submitting a strong appeal to challenge the court’s decision. 

Professional Car Accident Attorney Services in Thailand

Handling the legal process alone after an accident greatly reduces your chances of success, which is why you should consult the professional and bilingual auto accident lawyers at Siam Legal. We’re a full-service law firm in Thailand that’s been helping foreign clients for over 20 years with civil and criminal cases of all kinds. 

Our attorneys have the expertise to guide you through the post-accident procedures, giving you the best chance of minimizing expenses and winning your court case if you decide to file a personal injury claim. We will be by your side throughout the entire process, regardless of whether you were in a car accident, motorcycle accident, or truck accident. 

Contact Siam Legal after your traffic accident to bring those responsible to justice and secure the compensation you’re owed.

Category: Civil and Commercial Law