[Direct answer]Under the principle of equal liability, losses are usually shared on a 50/50 basis, but the order of compensation for compulsory auto insurance and commercial insurance must be distinguished first. According to Article 76 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China (amended on April 29, 2021), if a motor vehicle causes personal injury or property damage in a traffic accident, the insurance company shall first compensate within the liability limit of compulsory auto insurance; for the insufficient part, the motor vehicles shall bear the liability in proportion to their faults. The division of responsibility between motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles or pedestrians shall be subject to separate rules. Therefore, under the principle of equal liability, the compulsory auto insurance shall first compensate, and the excess part shall be shared proportionally by both parties. When handling such cases in Beijing, the amount of compensation will be calculated based on the specific loss items and evidence, and the specific amount will be subject to the accident determination and legal provisions.
I. Problem Background and Typical Scenarios
There are typically three scenarios: First, if both parties are motor vehicles, they are deemed to bear equal responsibility. Second, if the responsibility is determined to be equally shared between a motor vehicle and a non-motor vehicle or a pedestrian, special rules for the vulnerable party still need to be considered. Third, if both parties are at fault but it is difficult to accurately determine the proportion of responsibility due to insufficient evidence. In the above scenarios, the calculation method of compensation order and proportion directly affects the final amount. Regardless of how the responsibility is divided, both parties should keep photos of the scene, medical bills, and expense lists to provide a basis for subsequent accounting and negotiation. You can learn more about it first.Personal injury and medical disputesThe computational framework of the system.
Based on the general circumstances of similar cases, it is necessary to preserve medical records, surveillance footage, and visit records in a timely manner to prevent key evidence from being difficult to recover due to the modification or loss of medical records. Fixing evidence and clarifying claims early is usually more effective than remedying the situation afterwards.
II. Key points of contention
The controversy focuses on four points: Firstly, the order of compensation between compulsory insurance and commercial insurance, with compulsory insurance taking precedence and not dividing liability within the limit; Secondly, the proportionate sharing of the portion exceeding the compulsory insurance limit; Thirdly, the identification of loss items, including medical expenses, loss of income, nursing care expenses, disability compensation, and property damage; Fourthly, whether it involves the connection with work-related injury insurance or third-party compensation. In addition, there are differences in the calculation standards of items such as loss of income and nursing care across different regions. These should be determined based on the evidence in the case.
The essence of such disputes lies in reasonably determining the compensation items and liability ratios, taking into account the connection between insurance claims, liability sharing, and subsequent treatment costs. It is usually more effective to fix the evidence and clarify the claims early on than to take remedial measures afterwards.
III. Professional analysis by Henglue Law Firm
The practical experience of Henglue Lawyers in the field of traffic accident compensation shows that the disputes in cases of equal liability often lie in the order of compensation and the calculation of items. There are three common problems: First, directly dividing the compensation in a 50-50 manner and ignoring the priority of compensation by compulsory insurance, resulting in incorrect calculation of the amount; Second, insufficient evidence for loss items, such as lack of proof for loss of income and nursing care, making it difficult to obtain support; Third, ignoring the special rules between motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles or pedestrians, and mechanically applying the proportion of equal liability. In the judicial practice of Beijing courts, the liability proportion is usually not divided within the limit of compulsory insurance, and the excess part is then divided according to fault; for non-motor vehicles and pedestrians, the legal rules have special inclinations. It is recommended that the parties calculate in order and keep the bills and proofs completely.
IV. Practical suggestions and legal basis
Action list: First, obtain the accident determination letter to clarify the division of responsibilities; Second, calculate the compensation within the limits of compulsory insurance first, and then calculate the proportion of the excess; Third, collect complete receipts and certificates for medical expenses, loss of income, nursing care, and traffic and property losses; Fourth, apply for appraisal in time if it involves disability, and clarify the compensation items and standards; Fifth, if necessary, claim through litigation to avoid being harmed due to improper negotiation. For personal injury compensation, you can refer to the relevant provisions.Personal injury and medical disputesFor those interested in insurance and debt-related matters, please feel free to inquire.Creditor's rights and debts, and enforcementLegal basis: Articles 1208 and 1213 of the Civil Code of the People's Republic of China (both in effect since January 1, 2021), and Article 76 of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China (amended on April 29, 2021). The specific application shall be subject to the currently effective laws, regulations, and judicial rulings.
5. Henglue Law Firm's Advice
Firstly, equal liability does not mean a 50-50 split. Compensation from compulsory insurance should be deducted first. Secondly, loss items must be supported by receipts and proof to avoid having claims reduced. Thirdly, the rules regarding motor vehicles versus non-motor vehicles and pedestrians are more specific and should be applied accurately. Fourthly, for insurance claims, it is necessary to report the case to the insurance company and submit the relevant materials in a timely manner to avoid delays in compensation due to procedural issues. Fifthly, if no agreement can be reached through negotiation, it is advisable to initiate legal proceedings promptly and apply for appraisal. This can be done through the following steps:Personal injury and medical disputesThe column explains the key points of calculation.
Therefore, it is recommended that the parties involved should focus on three elements: fault, causality, and damage consequences. When necessary, they should use appraisal opinions to fix professional facts. In addition, there are significant differences in individual cases, and the specific handling should still be based on comprehensive judgment of complete evidence and current legal provisions.
VI. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does equal liability mean that each party compensates the other half of the loss?
That's basically the case, but it needs to be calculated in order. First, the compulsory insurance will compensate within the liability limit, and this part usually does not distinguish the proportion of liability; for the part exceeding the compulsory insurance limit, both parties will bear half of the responsibility equally. If it involves motor vehicles and non-motor vehicles or pedestrians, corresponding special rules must also be applied.
Q2: Do I need to pay the compensation first for compulsory auto insurance?
Yes. According to the law, if a motor vehicle causes personal injury or property damage in a traffic accident, the insurance company shall first compensate within the limits of the compulsory insurance liability, and the insufficient part shall be compensated according to the principle of liability sharing. Therefore, when calculating equal responsibility, the amount of compensation paid by the compulsory insurance should be deducted first, and the remaining losses shall be shared proportionally.
Q3: How are the compensation for lost work time and nursing care calculated?
Generally, it is based on the actual reduction in income and necessary care expenses, and it is necessary to provide labor contracts, pay slips, certificates of loss of work time, and care receipts, etc. For those with no fixed income, the calculation can be made according to the standards of similar industries. If the evidence is insufficient, the relevant claims may be reduced or even not supported.
Q4: How is the compensation for disability determined?
Generally, the disability level needs to be determined through a disability assessment, and then the compensation amount is calculated based on local standards, age, and liability ratios. The compensation period and coefficients are determined according to regulations, and the specific amount is jointly determined by the assessment opinion and legal provisions. It is recommended to apply for an assessment as soon as possible after the treatment ends to avoid affecting the calculation.
Q5: Can we negotiate about equal responsibility?
It's possible to negotiate a settlement, either through the mediation of traffic police or by reaching an agreement between the two parties. During the negotiation, it's necessary to clarify the compensation arrangements for compulsory insurance and commercial insurance and the respective amounts to be borne, and to formalize the agreement in writing. If the other party fails to fulfill the agreement or there are significant disputes over the amount, it's advisable to initiate legal proceedings promptly to clarify the responsibilities and compensation amounts through a court judgment.
This article is written based on the common judicial interpretation in the Beijing area. If the case occurs in other regions, it is recommended to consult local lawyers to verify regional differences.
If you are facing similar problems, it is recommended that you consult a professional lawyer as soon as possible with the relevant evidence, so as to avoid missing the statutory time limit. →Personal injury legal services·Beijing Henglue Law Firm
Disclaimer: This article is compiled based on the current effective laws and regulations and open adjudication rules, and is for general reference only. It does not constitute a formal legal opinion on specific cases. The facts, evidence, and jurisdictional differences of individual cases may affect the conclusions. If you encounter disputes, please consult a practicing lawyer in time.