Have you been injured in traffic? Questions about compensation after a traffic injury?
You may be entitled to compensation after a traffic accident if you have suffered a traffic injury.
Our lawyers are specialists in compensation law and have focused expertise in traffic injuries, occupational injuries and patient (medical) injuries. We have worked in this area for over 30 years. We estimate that you may receive at least 50–100% more in compensation by using our experienced lawyers than by handling the case yourself.
If you contact us you will receive a free phone consultation and an assessment of whether you are entitled to compensation after the traffic accident. Afterwards you decide whether you want us to act as your lawyers — in any case you will receive tips and advice on how to proceed. Usually further legal costs are covered by the insurance company.
Our goal is that you can concentrate on rehabilitation after the traffic injury while we handle your compensation claim. We emphasize personal contact, keep you updated and give feedback on what you can achieve.
We care, have the experience needed and will fight for your case.
Are you entitled to compensation after a traffic injury?
If you have suffered a traffic injury you may be entitled to compensation.
This presupposes that you have suffered a financial loss after the traffic accident, for example lost income or additional expenses. You may also be entitled to compensation if you have a permanent injury after the traffic accident of a certain degree.
Wondering whether you are entitled to compensation after a traffic accident? Contact us for a free, non‑binding consultation. One of our most experienced staff will contact you so that you quickly get an answer on whether you may have a claim to compensation or not.
Compensation after a traffic accident – what are you entitled to?
In a traffic injury you may be entitled to compensation for
- Loss of income already incurred
- Future loss of income
- Expenses
- Tax disadvantage
- Lost accrual of pension points
- Loss of household services
- Compensation for permanent medical impairment
- Legal fees
Most compensation items are calculated individually for you. Because there is no standardized measurement you need knowledge of what you may be entitled to in order to receive the correct compensation for your traffic injury. Our lawyers have long experience in calculating compensation after traffic accidents and can help you with this.
Read more: Compensation after a traffic injury – what does car insurance cover?
Useful to know – the insurance company usually covers legal fees in traffic accidents
What types of traffic injuries can you receive compensation for?
You can receive compensation for all traffic injuries that cause financial loss or permanent complaints of a certain extent. Some injury types recur, for example:
Who is responsible for processing and calculating compensation after traffic accidents?
Compensation for traffic injuries is a matter between you as the injured person and the insurance company of the driver responsible. If the responsible driver acted with gross negligence you may be entitled to compensation directly from the driver. If the accident involves only one car, for example a single-vehicle run-off where only your car is involved, it will usually be the insurer of your car that is responsible for handling the compensation claim.
Compensation for being hit by a car in a crosswalk/pedestrian crossing
Unfortunately, some people experience being hit in a crosswalk. You are entitled to compensation if you have sustained injuries from the driver’s insurance company. As a rule, the police have information about the driver so that you know which insurance company is responsible. If you do not have this information we can help you obtain it.
You are entitled to the same compensation after being hit in a crosswalk as if you had been involved in a traffic accident with a car. In addition, you will usually also be entitled to compensation for non‑pecuniary loss (oppreisning) if you are hit in a crosswalk. This claim can be raised against the insurance company or in criminal proceedings if relevant. We can assist you with this.
Read more: Compensation for non‑pecuniary loss
Have you lost a spouse, parent or other provider in a traffic accident?
Nothing can replace the loss of someone you love. Dependency compensation is intended to reduce the financial consequences of losing someone who provided for you. You can read more about the conditions for dependency compensation here.
Read more: Dependency compensation
I have been injured in a traffic accident — do I need a lawyer?
We believe the answer is yes. Many of our clients first tried to handle their compensation claim themselves after a traffic accident without a lawyer, but found it challenging and time‑consuming. Cases often take a long time and insurers require a lot of documentation. Almost without exception our clients obtain a much better settlement after receiving assistance from us than they did on their own.
Lawyers with long experience in traffic injuries know which specialists should examine your injuries and what is realistic for you to receive in compensation.
Read more: Injured on public transport
Read more: E‑scooter injury?
Why is it important to contact a lawyer as soon as possible after the accident?
Because timely information can best secure your rights. There are several things that are important to know early in the process, and your case may become more difficult to handle if you are not aware of these and do not take the necessary steps when the traffic accident occurs. Our lawyers can help you with this.
Do I have to pay legal fees after a traffic injury?
The first consultation with us is by phone and is always free. You decide whether you want us to assist you further. In any case you will receive useful tips and advice on the way forward and a preliminary assessment of whether you are entitled to compensation.
The main rule is that the insurance company covers our legal fees, as part of the compensation in traffic injury cases. You will receive more information about this before signing an engagement agreement with us.
Why should you contact Advokatfirmaet Unneland after a traffic accident?
We can cautiously estimate that you will achieve between 50% and 100% more in compensation by using us than by handling your own case with the insurance company. In other words, you will receive a more correct compensation amount by obtaining professional assistance from a lawyer.
Advokatfirmaet Unneland AS has focused expertise with more than 30 years of experience. Our lawyers work exclusively with personal injuries — traffic injuries and occupational injuries — and therefore have solid competence in the field.
You can decide whether you need assistance after you have talked to us; we will give you advice and information on what you should watch out for regardless.
Contact us for a consultation about your case
What should you do if you have been injured in a car accident?
The most important thing to do when you suffer a traffic injury is to seek medical attention so you receive the treatment you need. The medical records from such visits are also very relevant in a compensation case because they prove what happened and which injuries you sustained in the traffic accident. If symptoms persist you should continue to see a doctor/receive treatment so that you get medical help and advice while your complaints are documented.
We recommend that you contact us so you get an assessment of whether you are entitled to compensation after the traffic accident.
Read more: How does a compensation case proceed?
Reduction of compensation after a traffic accident – what is reduction?
If the insurance company believes that you contributed to the traffic accident or that your injuries became worse than they needed to be, they can notify a reduction. That means the compensation you are entitled to is reduced. Compensation in vehicle accidents can for example be reduced if you breach right of way and that caused the accident. If you do not wear a helmet, compensation for head injuries may be reduced.
Whether there are grounds for reduction and how large it should be is a concrete assessment in each case. Several factors are relevant, for example how serious the fault was, whether the fault actually affected your injuries, the extent of your injuries and how it affects your future. If you receive notice of reduction of compensation after a traffic accident you should contact a lawyer to get an assessment of whether it is correct to reduce your compensation.
Compensation for permanent impairment after a traffic accident
If you suffer a permanent injury of a certain extent as a result of the traffic accident you may be entitled to compensation for permanent medical impairment (menerstatning). Medical specialists determine whether you are entitled to such compensation. The specialist determines the degree of permanent medical impairment you have sustained as a result of the accident. This is determined based on an impairment table issued by the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs. Specialists assess injuries differently and some collaborate with insurance companies. We therefore recommend that you contact us, who have good knowledge of compensation law and specialists, before deciding which specialist should evaluate your case. This choice can be decisive for your compensation claim. Never let the insurance company decide your specialist.
Read more: Compensation for permanent impairment after a traffic accident
Read more: Impairment table – what is medical impairment in traffic injury?
Choosing a specialist in an insurance case after a traffic accident
Many compensation cases are settled after a specialist medical report has been obtained. Such a report is prepared by a doctor who assesses the injuries you sustained after the traffic accident. This assessment affects your compensation after the accident.
You can participate in deciding which specialist writes the report in your case. If the insurance company proposes a specialist our clear recommendation is that you contact a lawyer with long experience in compensation law for assistance.
We have extensive experience with choosing specialists for the assessment of your injuries and can help you make this choice.
Compensation for non‑pecuniary loss after traffic injuries and pedestrian collisions
Compensation for non‑pecuniary loss (oppreisning) is compensation for the distress and suffering the injured person has endured in a traffic accident. If the driver responsible for the traffic accident acted with gross negligence or intentionally, you are entitled to oppreisning. Being hit in a crosswalk or on a sidewalk are examples of situations where the driver may have acted with gross negligence.
There is no fixed tariff or predetermined amount for oppreisning. If you believe you may be entitled to compensation for non‑pecuniary loss after a traffic accident you should contact a lawyer to get an assessment of whether you can claim it and the amount you may be entitled to.
Read more: Oppreisning after traffic injuries
Read more: Examples of oppreisning compensation
Compensation after a traffic injury while traveling to work?
If you suffer a traffic injury on the way to or from work this is covered under the insurance of the responsible driver’s vehicle. It is usually not considered an occupational injury, but if you are unsure we can help clarify this.
Occupational injuries in traffic
If you are at work when injured in traffic, for example hit by a vehicle or involved in a car accident, you are covered both by the Occupational Injury Insurance Act, the Motor Vehicle Liability Act and the National Insurance Act. You are entitled to compensation under the regulation that gives you the highest payout. To determine which yields the highest compensation the calculation must be made under both sets of rules.
Read more: Occupational traffic injuries
What must you prove if you are injured in a traffic accident?
You, as the injured party, carry the burden of proof; this means you must prove that your injuries and losses are caused by the traffic accident.
If the injuries persist they must be taken seriously and you must seek medical attention and treatment. It is through your medical records that you can prove your injuries after the traffic accident. Medical records are often crucial when you later need to prove a causal link between the traffic accident and your current injuries, for example that the back pain you have today is due to being hit by a car and not something else. Our experience shows that this is an issue that can create problems and weaken your case or make it impossible to prove that the conditions for compensation are met. Therefore it is important that you see a doctor/therapist regularly and follow medical advice to secure documentation of your complaints.
Read more: The course of a case
Frequently asked questions – traffic injury FAQ
We have extensive experience with traffic injuries and here we have gathered frequently asked questions about compensation after traffic injuries.
Do you need to see a doctor? Is a lawyer necessary? What should I remember when filling out the accident report? Do I have to pay tax on the compensation amount? You will find answers to these and other questions here.
Read more: Frequently asked questions about traffic injuries
When can the case be closed?
When the traffic injury has stabilised and is considered permanent, normally after 2–3 years, a specialist medical report should be obtained where your injuries are assessed. The specialist concludes the degree of permanent medical impairment according to the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs’ impairment table. The specialist also describes your functional limitations in work life — that is, how much you can work. Choice of specialist is important and can be decisive for the outcome of your case. We assist in selecting a specialist for your case to ensure they have the right competence and experience to assess your injuries.
When the extent of the traffic injury is clarified we prepare a final compensation claim in the case. Here we summarise all compensation items, both for the period since the accident and for the future. Cases are normally concluded through negotiations with the insurance company where we agree on the compensation amount for the traffic injury.
If the case is not resolved, the next step is litigation. We also have extensive experience litigating compensation claims with good results and can represent you if that becomes relevant.
Do you have other insurances that entitle you to compensation after a traffic accident?
Check which insurances you have and notify the relevant insurance company in writing. This affects late interest and prevents the claim from becoming time‑barred. Many people also have accident or travel insurance that can provide compensation in the event of a car accident.
Sometimes you may have overlapping insurances and claims against multiple companies. We can also help you with other insurances after a traffic accident, but the responsible insurer does not cover our work towards other insurers. Costs towards other insurers are often low and we will agree this with you before starting the work.
Compensation calculator for traffic injuries
If you have suffered a traffic injury you are entitled to have all expenses and losses you have had and will have as a result of the injury covered. After a traffic injury many ask for a calculator to estimate compensation, but because an individual assessment of your loss based on your circumstances and history is required, it is very complicated to create a simple calculator that yields a correct result.
Examples of compensation after traffic accidents
Many wonder what they can expect in a compensation case after a traffic accident. We have collected some examples from cases we have handled over the years regarding compensation after traffic accidents or compensation after being struck by a vehicle.
If you are wondering what you may be entitled to we recommend you contact us. We emphasise giving honest feedback so you have realistic expectations of what you can achieve.
Read more: Examples of traffic injury cases
Read more: Examples of oppreisning compensation
Compensation for traffic injury after being struck
If you sustain a traffic injury after being struck by a bus, motorcycle, moped, tram, truck etc., you have the same rights as when claiming compensation for a car accident if you suffer a traffic injury.
When can you as a passenger lose the right to compensation in a car accident?
If you do not seek medical attention within a short time after the accident you may lose the right to compensation for a traffic injury. This is because the insurance company requires that you document that the traffic injury occurred in a traffic accident to receive compensation. It is also a requirement that you document that the injuries/complaints persist after the accident; this is done by seeing a doctor/physiotherapist/other therapists who treat your complaints. We recommend that you follow the medical advice you receive for treatment and follow‑up of your traffic injury.
If you did not use a seat belt, provoked the driver, or otherwise contributed to the accident, compensation can be reduced. This is called reduction. The insurance company must notify you if reduction is to be applied. If you receive notice of reduction after a traffic accident you should contact a lawyer with long experience in traffic injury cases for legal assistance.
How are cases about compensation after traffic injuries resolved?
Most cases are resolved through negotiations with insurance companies. In some cases we find it beneficial to go to court against insurance companies. We see this when comparing the insurer’s offers before litigation with the outcomes afterwards. In our recent court cases the insurers’ offers amounted to NOK 4,411,000 while the combined result after settlements or judgments was NOK 11,500,000. This represents an increase of about NOK 7,100,000 or 160%. We can assist you throughout the entire process, from first contact with the insurance company until the case is decided, either through negotiations, settlement or judgment.
Read more: Examples of traffic injury cases
Who is entitled to traffic injury compensation?
If you are injured by a motor vehicle you are entitled to traffic injury compensation from the motor vehicle’s insurance company. You may be entitled to compensation if you are the driver, passenger, cyclist, motorcyclist or pedestrian who is injured in a collision, run‑off, moose collision or a rear-end collision, etc. This applies even if the driver has no fault in the accident. If you are partly at fault you will still be entitled to compensation, but it may be reduced depending on what caused the accident.
Contact us for a free assessment of your case
Rights when hit by a car
If you have been hit by a car and sustained injuries you have the right to have your losses covered. All motor vehicles, including motorcycles, have compulsory liability insurance that covers injuries and losses resulting from the collision. If you are a driver or passenger in the car that was hit, the insurer of the car responsible for the collision will be responsible for covering your losses and injuries.
Read more: Compensation when struck by a car
Compensation after a traffic accident – what we help you with
If you have been involved in a traffic accident and injured, you are entitled to have your financial losses and expenses covered. You should be placed in the same economic position as if the accident had not occurred.
We handle your case with the insurance company, respond to their enquiries and calculate your compensation claims. Cases are normally resolved through negotiations with the insurer. We follow up your case until it is closed; you only need to deal with us.
Read more: What can you get compensation for?
Do I have to pay for legal fees?
The first consultation is by phone and is always free. You decide whether you want us to assist you further. You will in any case receive tips and advice on how to proceed.
The main rule is that the insurance company covers our legal fees. You will receive more information about this before you sign an engagement agreement with us.
