Is It Enough to Just Repair the Car After a Collision?
2 Answers
After the car is repaired following a collision, you can also claim compensation for lost wages, transportation expenses, and other legally supported items from the other party. Legal Basis for Compensation Claims: According to Article 35 of the "Road Traffic Accident Handling Regulations": The party responsible for a traffic accident shall bear corresponding damages liability based on their responsibility for the accident. The items of damages compensation include: medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization meal subsidies, nursing fees, living subsidies for the disabled, disability appliance costs, funeral expenses, death compensation, dependent support expenses, transportation costs, accommodation expenses, and direct property losses. The compensation items specified in the preceding paragraph shall be determined based on actual circumstances, and the costs shall be settled in one lump sum. Notes on Claiming Compensation: Medical expenses shall be determined based on the receipts issued by medical institutions for medical fees, hospitalization fees, etc., combined with medical records, diagnostic certificates, and other relevant evidence. The amount of medical expense compensation shall be determined based on the actual amount incurred before the conclusion of the first-instance court debate. Lost wages shall be determined based on the victim's lost work time and income status. If the victim has a fixed income, lost wages shall be calculated based on the actual reduced income. If the victim does not have a fixed income, it shall be calculated based on their average income over the past three years.
My car was repaired after the last collision, and it seemed fine when driving. But after a few highway trips, I noticed the steering wheel shaking slightly and making faint abnormal noises. The mechanic said even if the exterior is perfectly repaired after a crash, internal structures like the suspension system, chassis, or engine mounts might be damaged. If not fully repaired, it could affect handling safety. He advised not to relax immediately after repairs and to schedule a comprehensive inspection, including wheel alignment, brake testing, and even driving on bumpy roads to check for issues. Additionally, the accident is recorded in the vehicle history, which will significantly reduce its resale value, so it's best to check the maintenance report. In short, being repaired doesn't mean everything is fine—follow-up observation and prevention are crucial.
