When Foreigners have Car Accidents in Japan
When foreigners have car accidents in Japan, they face unique and difficult challenges. This article provides helpful and useful information on what to do, and how a legal professional can assist you.
What to do immediately after a Car Accident in Japan
If you are involved in a car accident in Japan, the process is governed by the Japanese law. Taking the correct steps immediately after the accident is crucial to ensuring safety of yourself and others and protecting your rights.
Secure Safety and Assist the Injured
Car accidents in Japan are always handled under the Japanese law. Therefore, your first priority is to ensure safety and assist the injured.
Specifically, you need to move your vehicle and check for injuries on the other party. If the other driver or passenger is seriously injured and you are able to move, you should by yourself or ask someone nearby to call an ambulance. In Japan, you must dial 119 and explain the nature of the injuries.
The moments right after an accident can be confusing, but failing to assist could lead to a violation of your duty to rescue as an involved driver. This could potentially put you at a disadvantage, even if you were the victim.
Report the Accident to the Police
One of the most important things after a car accident is to report the incident to the police. In Japan, it is legally required to report the accident to the police of the area (dial 110).
When you report to the police, be prepared to provide the following information:
- The date, time and place (address if possible) of the accident.
- The number of people injured, whether there are any fatalities, and the extent of the injuries.
- The extent of property damage, including to vehicles or their cargo.
Failing to report the accident will prevent you from getting a Car Accident Certificate (Jiko-shomei-sho). This document is essential for claiming compensation for medical bills and other damages later on.
If your injuries are minor, it's also a good idea to take photos of the scene, including vehicle damage, while the details are still fresh in your mind. This can be valuable evidence during later negotiations. Be sure to keep any documents or materials you have.
Why It's Hard for Foreigners to Handle a Car Accident
Even a simple car accident can be overwhelming, and it’s even more challenging for foreigners due to language barriers, lack of knowledge of Japanese law, and other specific issues.
The Language Barrier and Communication Difficulties
It's not common that many Japanese public institutions have English-speaking staff. This means that right after an accident, you will likely need to communicate in Japanese with the police and ambulance services at the scene.
If you don't have a strong grasp of the language, it is very difficult to accurately explain the situation or get the information you need. Making a phone call in a language that is not your native language is very difficult. Even if you understand conversational Japanese, it will be tough to correctly describe and understand the extent of injuries or the details of an accident.
Furthermore, most negotiations with the insurance company will also be in Japanese. Even for native Japanese speakers, it is hard to understand the complex legal terms involved in a settlement. For a non-native speaker, trying to navigate these complex discussions on your own (understanding the terms offered and expressing your concerns) is almost impossible.
Visa Issues for Short-Term Visitors
If you are a short-term visitor, serious injuries from an accident could require medical treatment that exceeds your allowed stay. In such cases, you must apply for an extension or a change of your visa status at a local immigration bureau. Navigating this process without a solid understanding of the Japanese law is extremely difficult. Ignoring visa issues could lead to overstaying and even deportation.
Medical Costs
If you are not enrolled in Japan's national health insurance system, medical treatment can be expensive. Understanding the complexities of the compulsory automobile liability insurance and voluntary insurance systems is crucial for ensuring your medical bills are covered.
How our Law Firm can help
Our law firm offers specialized support for foreigners who have been involved in car accidents in Japan. We provide a safe and professional environment to help you navigate these complex situations.
English-Speaking Legal Professionals
Our lead attorney has over 15 years of experience in the UK, and our firm has a long history of successfully assisting international clients. Our lawyers can communicate with you fluently in English, ensuring that there are no misunderstandings about your situation and that you fully understand your legal options.
Addressing Foreigners' Specific Issues
We are well-equipped to handle the unique challenges faced by foreigners, such as visa and medical cost issues. We provide detailed advice on visa extensions and guide you through the process of getting your medical expenses covered, allowing you to focus on your recovery without the added stress.
Expert Negotiation with Insurance Companies
Our team has the expertise and negotiation skills to deal with insurance companies on your behalf. We will work to ensure you receive fair compensation that covers your medical costs, lost income, and emotional distress, so you don't have to worry about being offered a low settlement.
We are here to help
If you are a foreigner who has been involved in a car accident in Japan, do not try to handle it all by yourself. The language barrier and complex legal system can make it overwhelming, but our firm is here to support you. We have a team of legal professionals with extensive international experience, and we can handle a variety of cases with the help of our partnerships with lawyers in countries such as Cambodia, the United States, Italy, the UK, and Cameroon.
Please feel free and do not hesitate to contact us for a free consultation.