A Guide To Portugal Car Accident Claims – How To Claim Compensation For A Car Crash In Portugal?

By Jo Jeffries. Last updated 29th November 2021. Welcome to this guide on claiming for a car accident in Portugal.

Car accident in Portugal claims guide

Car accident in Portugal claims guide

There are millions of Brits who travel abroad every year, as family vacations are a great way to create memories with loved ones and enjoy our recreational time. Although it is always a possibility, one of the last things we expect to happen whilst enjoying our holiday is to become injured to ill. Unfortunately, there are some cases where the negligence of a third party could cause an accident. For example, the negligent actions of another road user could result in a car accident in Portugal, causing a variety of damages that range from minor to major, physical (such as whiplash) to psychological (such as PTSD).

If you have been involved in a car accident in Portugal, then you might be wondering if you have grounds to make a claim for compensation. If you have been injured due to the negligence of another road user whilst on holiday, it is more than understandable to be confused about what to do and whether or not you could claim. Every country has different laws, legislation, and systems that are set in place, which is why Accident Claims UK could be of service. If you have been injured due to the negligence of a third party, on a road in Portugal why not call our expert advisors to see what steps you could take next.

If at any point whilst reading this guide you become confused by the claims process in relation to accidents abroad, please feel free to contact a member of our team. Our phone lines are free to call, and our friendly advisors are more than happy to speak with you.

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A Guide To Claims For Car Accidents In Portugal

Like previously stated, this is an online guide for those who have been involved in a Portugal road traffic accident and are considering whether or not to make a claim for compensation. It is fair to state that those of us who are fortunate enough to vacation abroad will understand the stresses that are associated with travel. Not only is there is a lot of information that needs to be remembered, but there are additional obstacles such as language, money, insurance, important documents, and unfamiliarity that can add to the stressful process. Despite the planning and timetabling that is required in order to travel, nobody prepares for the moments when a negligent third party could cause an accident.

A Portugal holiday accident could occur at any given moment, and in severe scenarios, the negligence of a third party could cause serious injuries. If that is the case, then you might be curious whether or not you could make a personal injury claim in Portugal? This online guide aims to discuss car accident claims in relation to holidays in Portugal, providing information about the claim process, time limits, and how a personal injury solicitor could pursue your case for you. But before we delve into the content of this online guide, there are some important factors that need to be stated. It is extremely important that those who intend to travel keep up to date with the latest changes in relation to the UK’s exit from Europe, as this could affect their ability to claim for personal injury compensation.

What Are The Largest Cities In Portugal?

According to the Office for National Statistics, around 2.2 million people from the UK visited Portugal. As a location, there are many different places people like to visit, and each for different reasons. As outlined by Geonames.org, they highlight that the most popular cities in Portugal include;

  • Lisbon
  • Porto
  • Amadora
  • Braga
  • Setubal
  • Combra
  • Queluz
  • Funchal
  • Cacem
  • Vila Nova de Gaia

What Do You Have To Do Before Driving As A Tourist In Portugal?

Statista outlined that there were a total of 43.8 thousand individuals who were injured in incidents involving road vehicles in Portugal. As a person who plans to drive in another country, it could be recommended that you familiarise yourself with those countries policies and highway safety. Going forward after the UK leaves the EU you may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in order to drive in some European countries as a visitor.

It is also suggested that before your trip you;

  • Check that your passport is up to date.
  • Make sure that your car insurance policy (that was issued at home) covers your driving in Portugal.
  • Have several forms of identification.
  • Have access to your travel insurance documents.
  • Remember to take proof of ownership of your car.

Why It Is Important To Have Vehicle And Travel Insurance

As a tourist who plans on entering and driving in another country, it is always suggested that you take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy and well as ensuring that your vehicle insurance policy covers you for driving in other countries. Travel insurance policies were created with the intention to provide cover for a variety of different outcomes. This might include medical expenses, a trip being cut short, or the loss and or theft of personal possessions. It is also recommended that you take the details of your insurance policy when you travel abroad, as well as the policy number and the emergency telephone number.

Your travel insurance policy may also cover;

  • Emergency treatment in hospitals abroad.
  • Emergency transport after an accident such as an ambulance).
  • Covering the cost of a return ticket (if the original expires).
  • Temporary emergency dental treatment to relieve pain.

What To Do After A Car Accident In Portugal

If you have been injured during an accident on holiday in Portugal, then there are steps you should consider. In the event third party negligence causes the incident, Citizen’s Advice recommends that you should;

  • Seek medical attention.
  • Get the contact details of those who witnessed the incident.
  • Get the name and addresses of all drivers that were involved.
  • Get driver licence numbers and well as insurance details.
  • Write down the number plates of the vehicles involved in the crash.
  • Write down the make and model of cars.
  • Take images of the scene, try to do this before vehicles are moved.
  • Take images of any visible injuries.

Citizen’s Advice also states that if you plan to drive in Europe, then you might be provided with a European Accident Statement (EAS) by your insurance company or at the scene of the incident.

How To Get Help In Portugal After A Road Traffic Accident

Unfortunately, there were 606 fatal car accidents in Portugal in 2018. An accident of any severity is never an easy experience, but if you have been injured abroad, then you might be wondering what to do after a car accident? Below is a list of contact numbers that could be of use to you if have been injured after a car accident abroad.

112 – This is an international number for those who require the emergency support of a fire department, the police, or medical attention.

114 – This is a number that is primarily used in relation to non-emergency situations. For example, if you need to report an incident to the police.

1813 – This number can be used if you require medical attention outside of normal hours. You will be directed to a clinic or ward that will be able to handle your medical emergency.

Useful phrases that you could use in a case of an emergency might include;

  • I would like to report a crime – Quiero hacer una denuncia./Quiero denunciar un crimen.
  • I need you to send me an ambulance – Necesito una ambulancia./Necesito que me envíen una ambulancia.
  • Emergency Services – servicios de urgencia
  • Help/Emergency – socorro

How To Pay For Medical Services In Portugal

If you have been injured abroad, then you might be unsure of the medical services you could use. Prior to travelling abroad, you should apply for or review your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). The card can be used if you become injured or ill whilst abroad in other EU member state countries and will cover medically necessary (state-provided) healthcare at a reduced fee, or free of charge. So for example, if you break your leg during a car accident in Portugal and require surgery, the GHIC could cover the cost of the treatment you receive.

It is worth remembering that each countries health care system is different, so all the things you might expect free of charge from the NHS might cost in different countries. Therefore, if you become injured, you might be required to pay a medical bill. If that is the case, then it is always suggested that you keep documentation such as receipts of these financial transactions in the event you want to make a claim for compensation when you return to the UK.

How To Report An Accident On The Road In Portugal

If you have been involved in a road-related accident, then you might be wondering how to report an accident and claim compensation. In order to make a claim of this nature, you will be required to provide evidence that the accident was caused by the negligence of another party. To do so, there are steps you could take that will help strengthen your potential claim. Steps might include;

  • Seeking a medical professional.
  • Getting the details of those involved in the incident.
  • Take photographs.
  • Document any additional costs by keeping receipts and bank statements.
  • Make a report to the Portuguese police and ask for a copy.

Rental Car Road Traffic Accidents In Portugal

When driving a hire car in a foreign country, it is extremely important that you are aware of what to do in the event you’re involved in an accident. Citizen’s Advice has outlined some steps that could be considered if you have been involved in a road traffic accident in a hire car. They state that in the event you have been involved in a rental car accident, it is important that you report the event to the local police (regardless of its severity). It is also important that you do not admit to any form of liability, as it can affect your ability to claim. After an accident, you should contact the car hire firm as soon as possible and inform them of the circumstance. You should provide the company with as much information about the incident as possible and provide them with your up-to-date contact information. Also, it is worth highlighting that you should never have the car repaired without the consent and approval of the hiring company.

Could I Claim If I Suffered Whiplash From A Car Accident In Portugal?

There are many different injuries people experience after a road traffic accident, but one of the most common is a whiplash injury. In the event you experience whiplash-related injury in Portugal, you may experience symptoms such as;

  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Limited neck movement
  • Pain

After any car crash accident it is always advisable to seek medical attention to have your injuries looked over. If a third parties negligence caused the incident to occur, then you could have grounds to make a claim. If you are injured in a hire car due to a fault and it was booked through a UK based package holiday provider as part of a package holiday deal you could claim again the holiday provider for negligence. Please call our advisors for more information.

Do I Need To Use A Solicitor In Portugal For My Claim?

If you booked a package holiday through a UK based tour operator and part of the package deal was a hire car. If that hire car had a fault that should have been repaired but was not and went on to cause an accident that subsequently caused you to become injured then you would be able to use a UK based solicitor as your package holiday claim would be against a UK based tour operator.

Also if you are injured in a car accident in Portugal your claim maybe pursued under European law rather than the laws in Portugal and again you would not have to use a Portuguese based solicitor. If all of this sounds a little confusing please call Accident Claims UK and through a free no obligation consultation you can have any issues cleared up.

Time Limits To Claim For A Road Traffic Accident In Portugal

If you have been involved in a road traffic accident and it has caused you to become injured, then you should be aware of the personal injury claims time limits that could affect your claim. In basic terms, a time limit is the period of time in which you should begin your claim for compensation. If you have been involved in an accident in Portugal and wish to make a claim, then the time limit is 3 years if you pursue it under Portuguese law. This means you have 3 years as of the negligent event to begin your claim. Of course these time limits can differ especially if you are pursuing your claim under another countries law or you were not aware of your injuries straight away. Please call our advisors for more information.

Car Accident Abroad Personal Injury Claims Calculator

All claims for compensation are inherently different from one another, especially those that are in relation to car accidents on holiday. The claims process takes into consideration a lot of different variables in order to provide a justified and accurate settlement. For example, the claims process will be based on the severity of the injuries and future prognosis. In the table below, we have provided some amounts that display how much you would be awarded if you pursued your case under UK law. These figures would not apply to claims outside of the UK, but if you were injured abroad as a part of a packaged holiday on an element of the package holiday deal, then you could claim against the British tour operator back in the UK.

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Injury Amount Severity Comment on Severity
Head Injury £2,210 to £12,770 Minor These types of injuries will include very minor brain damage and will be based on how long symptoms persist for, if the person is having headaches, and how long it may take the person to fully recover. The bottom of this bracket may be awarded to cases that recover within a few weeks.
Nose Fracture £10,640 to £23,130 Serious This bracket covers injuries that include multiple fractures that impair the airways and require surgery to correct. Injuries in this bracket also include cases of severe deformity, and those with damaged nerves, damaged tear ducts and difficulty breathing.
Shoulder Injury £7,890 to £12,770 Moderate This award bracket includes cases of frozen shoulder that causes persisting symptoms, discomfort and loss of mobility. This can also include soft tissue injuries to the shoulder that have symptoms lasting longer than two years.
Arm Injury £19,200 to £39,170 Less Severe Injuries This bracket includes injuries that recovered to substantial degree over time, but that still experienced significant disabilities.
Elbow Injury Up to £12,590 Moderate to Minor This bracket can include simple fractures, tennis elbow, and lacerations. It covers injuries that do not result in permanent symptoms or permanent loss of mobility.
Wrist Injury £47,620 to £59,860 Severe Injuries resulting in complete loss of function in the wrist for example, where an arthrodesis has been performed
Hip Injury £39,170 to £52,500 Severe In this bracket, injury to the hip will involve a fracture to the acetabulum, or socket of the hip, resulting in the need for hip replacement surgery. This bracket also covers cases where such a hip replacement was not successful or is deemed to need to further surgery to revise it.
Leg Injury £27,760 to £39,200 Moderate This bracket generally covers injury to one leg resulting in complicated or multiple fractures or crushing injuries that were severe in nature. It can vary depending on impact on quality of life, potential to need corrective surgery in the future, and the extent of treatment needed for recovery.
Knee Injury £52,120 to £69,730 Severe This bracket covers leg bone fractures that extend into and interfere with the knee joint. This will generally include symptoms of persisting pain, permanent impairment of mobility and which puts the person at risk of future osteoarthritis or arthroplasty.
Ankle Injury £13,740 to £26,590 Moderate This type of ankle injury will involve ligament damage and fractures that lead to difficulty walking on stairs, walking or standing for long periods, and difficulty walking on uneven ground. This could also include the risk of future osteoarthritis.

No Win No Fee Claims For Car Accidents In Portugal

Here at Accident Claims UK, we understand the sensitivity that surrounds personal injury. Accidents that affect your physical and psychological well-being are extremely delicate, so we approach each claim with professionalism, sensitivity and guidance. If you have personally been affected by the negligence of another that has resulted in an accident in Portugal, then call our advisors to see if we can represent you under a No Win No Fee agreement.

An agreement of this nature breaks down and outlines the payment elements within a personal injury claim, stating that you as the claimant will be required to pay a success fee if the claim has a successful outcome. In the event a solicitor accepts a claim but fails to win an awarded settlement, then the no win no fee agreement could reduce the threat to claimant’s finances. If you have any questions about this process, then please feel free to contact a member of our team.

How Our Holiday Accident Team Could Help You

Regardless of its location, a personal injury is an unexpected and inconvenient circumstance for anyone to endure. Not only could an accident be extremely stressful for all involved, but they have the ability to cause serious repercussions to the health and well-being of those involved. When accidents caused by a negligent party happen abroad, they can heighten the overall situation and you might be unsure of your legal position.

If you have been injured whilst abroad, then you might be wondering what steps you should take and whether or not you could make a claim. Here at Accident Claims UK, our solicitors have up to 30 years experience within the industry and have probably pursued claims similar to yours many times before so are well placed to handle your claim.

Start Your Claim For A Car Accident In Portugal Today

When you are ready to speak with an advisor about your car accident in Portugal, the number to call is 0800 073 8801. In addition to our phone line, you could enquire online through our websites form.

Essential Information For Tourists Visiting Portugal

 This online guide should have successfully outlined the relevant information relating to car accidents in Portugal. If at any point within this online guide you have become confused by the information that has been discussed, then please speak with a member of our team. In addition to the information that has been provided, we have supplied some extra materials and links that we believe could be of use. You can locate these down below.

British Embassy – Lisbon

Whiplash Injury – Compensation Calculator 

Pedestrian Accident – Can I make a claim?

Car Accident Claims – Could I make a claim if I was a passenger in a car accident? 

Could I make a claim for psychological injuries from a car accident in Portugal?

There are a large variety of injuries you could suffer if you are injured in a car accident in Portugal. While most people concentrate on injuries such as broken bones, head injuries and other physical injuries, you could suffer psychological injuries too. Psychological injuries such as anxiety after a car accident could have a significant impact on your daily life. Particularly if you suffer PTSD or mental trauma, it may make it difficult for you to get back in a car after such an accident. This could have a significant impact on what you are able to do. While possible it’s for you could be to recover from psychological injuries after a car accident in Portugal, in some cases it may take you some time to do so. During this time, you may not be able to attend work or social events, for example. As you can see, in some cases, psychological injury effects could be worse than physical injuries. If you intend on claiming psychological injury compensation, you would need to have an examination by an independent medical professional. They could talk to you about how the car accident has affected you psychologically, and could ask you other questions about what it has stopped you doing, for example. They may need to look at your past medical notes, and then they would write a report that would detail the level of severity of your psychological injury. This could significantly affect the amount of compensation you could receive.

What evidence do I need to claim for my injuries in a car accident in Portugal?

There are various types of evidence that could be useful in helping you to secure personal injury compensation. These could include:

  • Medical evidence- we mentioned in the section above the type of evidence you would have to obtained to prove any psychological injuries. This could be true of any physical injuries to.
  • Evidence of the accident- you would obviously need to prove that the accident had taken place. Evidence such as police reports, witness details, and photographs of the accident scene could all be useful in helping strengthen your claim.
  • Financial documentation-to claim special damages for any financial impact of your injury or accident, you would need documents. If, for example you have incurred travel expenses because of your injuries, a ticket or receipt for this could be useful. In other cases, where you have lost out on income because of your injuries, pay slips and bank statements could also be useful. If you have had to pay for equal treatment from a credit card receipt or statement could also be useful when proving such costs were incurred.

If you would like further insight into what evidence could be useful in helping you claim for a car accident in Portugal, we could help. Please do not hesitate to contact our team. We will be happy to advise you on what you would need to strengthen your claim.

Other Useful Compensation Guides

Thank you for reading our guide to making a claim for a car accident in Portugal.