Using roads and vehicles in everyday life involves more than just driving carefully. It also includes the responsibility to obtain Por Ror Bor (compulsory motor insurance) as required by law. Accidents can happen at any time, whether involving cars, motorcycles, motorized tricycles, or other vehicles covered by the relevant laws. Having compulsory motor insurance helps ensure that road accident victims have a guarantee of receiving initial compensation in accordance with the conditions prescribed by law. It is also part of one’s social responsibility.
Lawyer Arm Supasit Siri of Wongsakorn Law Firm has highlighted an issue raised in a Facebook group to provide legal information. Someone asked whether, if they were riding a motorized three-wheeled vehicle commonly known as a saleng and got into an accident, they could use the other party’s compulsory motor insurance when it had not yet been determined who was at fault.
This question reflects how some road users may still misunderstand the principles of compulsory motor insurance and the difference between receiving initial coverage and claiming compensation from the party liable for the accident.
If Your Vehicle Has No Compulsory Motor Insurance and an Accident Occurs, Can You Use the Other Party’s Policy?
In this case, people shared a variety of opinions. Lawyer Arm also contributed his views on the legal issues, emphasizing that comments on legal matters should be based on accurate knowledge and understanding. Incorrect advice could cause accident victims to misunderstand their rights and affect their decisions in subsequent steps.
The key point is to distinguish between being a road accident victim and having the right to claim compensation under the compulsory motor insurance policy of a particular vehicle. Even if a person is injured in an accident and qualifies as a road accident victim, this does not automatically mean that they can use the other party’s compulsory motor insurance in every case. The facts must also be considered, including the nature of the accident, the vehicles involved, and the applicable legal criteria.
Compulsory Motor Insurance Is a Basic Responsibility of Vehicle Owners
Lawyer Arm emphasizes the importance of being prepared before using a vehicle. Under the Protection for Motor Vehicle Accident Victims Act B.E. 2535 (1992), vehicle owners whose vehicles are covered by the Act are required to obtain compulsory motor insurance as prescribed by law. Neglecting this responsibility may cause problems when an accident occurs and could result in related expenses or legal liability.
Whether the vehicle is a car, motorcycle, or saleng that falls under the relevant legal requirements, vehicle users should ensure that all necessary documents and insurance coverage are in place. Claiming not to know how to purchase compulsory motor insurance or having financial constraints should not be used as a reason to neglect legal obligations. When an accident occurs, the consequences may affect not only the driver but also passengers and other people who suffer harm.
As for compulsory motor insurance premiums, the rates vary depending on the type of vehicle, its use, and the applicable criteria. Therefore, the correct rate should be checked before purchasing a policy, rather than treating a single price as the standard for all types of vehicles.
Can You Buy Compulsory Motor Insurance After an Accident Has Occurred?
Another point that Lawyer Arm believes should be understood is whether a vehicle owner can purchase compulsory motor insurance after an accident has already occurred. In practice, it may be possible to purchase a new insurance policy. However, compulsory motor insurance that takes effect after an accident does not automatically provide retroactive coverage for an incident that occurred before the coverage began. Therefore, waiting until an accident happens before purchasing compulsory motor insurance is not the right way to solve the problem.
If an accident has already occurred and the vehicle involved has no compulsory motor insurance, the accident victim may be entitled to claim initial compensation from the Motor Vehicle Accident Victims Compensation Fund in certain cases, subject to the conditions and criteria prescribed by law. Whether a person is eligible must be determined by examining the facts of each individual case. It should not be assumed that accident victims will be denied assistance in every case simply because the vehicle has no compulsory motor insurance.
How Does Voluntary Motor Insurance Differ from Compulsory Motor Insurance?
In addition to Por Ror Bor, which is compulsory motor insurance, vehicle owners can also purchase additional voluntary motor insurance as appropriate. Each type of insurance has different coverage limits, conditions, and exclusions. Voluntary motor insurance may therefore provide additional coverage for damage to a vehicle or liability to third parties, subject to the terms and conditions of the purchased policy.
Vehicle users should check both the start and end dates of their coverage, as well as the details of their insurance policies. They should not assume that having Por Ror Bor means they are covered for every type of loss, because Por Ror Bor is intended to cover bodily injury and loss of life suffered by accident victims as prescribed by law. It does not cover vehicle damage in every situation.
What Should You Do First After a Road Accident?
If you are involved in a road accident, regardless of which party is at fault, safety and medical treatment should be the top priorities. After that, gather relevant information, such as photos of the accident scene, details of the vehicles and the other party, compulsory motor insurance policy information, medical documents, and evidence of various expenses. You should also record the facts clearly to support the verification of your rights and any compensation claims.
If you are unsure whether you are entitled to use the compulsory motor insurance of a particular vehicle or how to proceed with a compensation claim, you should seek advice from a legal professional or contact the relevant authorities, especially when the facts are not yet fully known or there is a dispute over liability.
Lawyer Arm Supasit Siri and Wongsakorn Law Firm provide legal consultation on cases involving car and motorcycle accidents, including road accident victims’ rights, compulsory motor insurance, and compensation claims. The aim is to help accident victims understand their rights and plan the necessary steps systematically. However, the outcome of each case depends on the facts and supporting evidence.
In addition, if you encounter a situation in which an insurance company evades responsibility, such as telling you to recover fully before claiming compensation and only then asking you to claim compensation later, you can consult a lawyer immediately.
If you are experiencing problems following an accident and do not know where to begin, you can contact Wongsakorn Law Firm for advice and an assessment of the appropriate course of action from the early stages.
Consult Lawyer Arm Supasit Siri at Wongsakorn Law Firm
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