Traffic accident Thailand

When you had an accident in Thailand you must make sure you covered in any event. I was in a accident not long time with my motorbike while I was standing still with my motorbike a car came and hit me. I was not personally injured but the motorbike got scratches all over the bike. This is not a legal advice just a common sense advice.

I took photos of the car and the driver plus some photos of the damaged car and bike since the insurance company did not want to come to the scene at late night.

Now some company states in their claims that if you do not call them right away you might lose your right to compensation or part of it. In my case the driver made a copy of his insurance and driver license and I did not give him anything.

The next day I met up with the driver and his insurance and let me tell you never go alone to this kind of meeting always bring a Thai friend or a Police volunteer you can trust. Do not get my started to bring your normal bar girl to these kind of meetings.  Your normal bar girl cannot help you translate it won’t work. She will feel bad for the other driver and probably part with them at some point. If you feel insecure meet at the local police station or tourist police station.

At first the driver swapped sides and told the insurance it was my fault he had a change of heart when I show the video and recording i made from last night when he confessed. Always record everything it is amazing what you can record on any phone.

The next problem was the insurance company that did not want to fix all of my problems I got from the crash and he was making no excuses to cut down on my damages. He told me I would not get a better deal and wanted my information and signature on a paper. I told him nicely to bugger off and I would fight this at a later date. Never sign anything if you do not know what it says and if you not happy with the outcome, even if they say it is not important. This goes for the police report as well do not sign it if the police write something you not agree to.

I decided to go to the insurance HQ and took with me bunches of photos and recordings and it did not take long for the insurance to swap side when they say I would not back down and I had witness on my side.

• Always Record Everything
• Take photos the more the better
• Do not leave the scene
• Do not sign anything unless you are happy and know what it says
• Always have a friend with you that speak Thai
• If you are to blame settle in good faith but make sure you make him sign the agreement at the police station.