When a car accident occurs and your vehicle is damaged to the point that it cannot be used, one type of compensation that many victims often overlook is “loss of use of vehicle” compensation. This is a legal right that every victim is fully entitled to claim. However, in reality, many people never receive this compensation because they do not know their rights or they wait until the statute of limitations is almost over.
This is a real case involving Mr. A, which has now become an important reminder for every driver.
Only 3 days left before the statute of limitations expired and still no response from the insurance company
Mr. A was involved in a serious accident nearly two years ago. His car was severely damaged and unusable. Legally, he was entitled to:
- Repair costs
- Towing fees
- Compensation for damaged property
- And most importantly: loss of use of vehicle compensation
But almost two years passed, and the insurance company:
- Never contacted him
- Never informed him of any progress
- Never paid a single baht
Why?
Because…
The insurance company hoped they wouldn’t have to pay at all.
If the statute of limitations expired, the company would not have to pay anything.
The expiration date fell on the 17th, which was a Sunday meaning there was practically no time left to file anything.
If Mr. A had not urgently consulted a lawyer, everything would have been lost forever.
This is something most drivers do not know.
But it is exactly what insurance companies hope will happen.
The beginning of the problem: The insurer claimed “This car model has no repair shop available.”
The insurer told Mr. A:
“This car model has no authorized repair center.”
But legally, it is not the vehicle owner’s responsibility to find a repair shop. It is the insurance company’s duty to fix the vehicle and return it to normal condition.
Insurance companies cannot escape liability by giving excuses like this.
However, many victims do not know the law, and therefore unknowingly accept unfair treatment.
Demand letter issued within one day and the insurer immediately agreed to pay everything
Many lawyers might have told him to wait 3–7 days, or follow the standard insurance procedures.
But waiting in this case meant the statute of limitations would expire, and Mr. A would get nothing.
Lawyer Arm from Wongsakorn Law Office acted immediately:
- Prepared and issued an urgent demand letter
- Stated clearly:
“Provide compensation by 3:00 PM today.”
What many would think is “impossible”… actually happened.
The insurance company responded and agreed to pay all claimed damages immediately.
No further review. No additional procedures.This means the insurer could have done this all along, but simply chose not to for almost two years.
The insurance company offered full compensation including loss of use of vehicle
After receiving the demand letter, the insurer agreed to pay all damages, including:
- ✔ Car repair costs
- ✔ Towing costs
- ✔ Property damage
- ✔ Loss of use of vehicle
- ✔ Additional related damages
Totaling over 100,000 THB.
This happened simply because the case was handled before the statute of limitations expired, and legal action was taken promptly.
What is loss of use of vehicle compensation, and why is it so important?
This compensation covers the period when your car cannot be used, such as:
- Cost of renting a replacement vehicle
- Additional transportation expenses
- Loss of income if the car is used for business
Even if you did not actually rent a replacement car, you can still claim compensation based on standard court rates.
But many people never receive this compensation because:
- They don’t know their rights
- They never file a demand
- They have no lawyer assisting
- They let the statute of limitations expire
This case is a major lesson never wait until the last minute
Mr. A drove all the way from Prachinburi to meet Lawyer Arm. Thankfully, he still had 3 days left.
But many victims are not as lucky.
Reasons why people lose their right to compensation:
- They assume the insurance company will “handle everything”
- They are afraid of consulting a lawyer
- They don’t know when the statute of limitations ends
- They simply let time pass
Important truth: Insurance companies “have lawyers from day one even before the accident happens.”
Insurance companies have a full legal team ready at all times.
Ordinary people usually have no legal guidance, which puts them at a major disadvantage.
That is why victims should:
Consult a lawyer immediately on the day the accident happens.
Doing so helps you:
- Understand your rights
- Avoid being misled
- Know exactly what damages you can claim
- Prevent the statute of limitations from expiring
Don’t let insurance companies get what they hope for. Consult a lawyer from day one.
Mr. A’s case ended successfully, with full compensation received.
But only because:
- He still had 3 days left, and
- He decided to seek legal help in time
If you have been waiting for an insurance response…
If it has already been months or years…
If you don’t know where to start…
Do not wait another day.
Once the statute of limitations expires, you lose everything.
Consulting a lawyer early is the only way to protect your rights and ensure you receive:
- Loss of use of vehicle compensation
- And all other damages you are legally entitled to
Contact us at Wongsakorn Law Office to get proper legal support today.