Traffic Law Guides

Clear answers to the most important questions after a traffic accident – with the relevant case law of the Federal Court of Justice (BGH).

Important for appraisers – BGH 2024

The Appraiser Risk: Why the Wrong Report Costs You Money

Insurer appraisals, review reports, reduced fees: what risks arise when choosing an appraiser, and how to properly exercise your right to the expert of your choice.

What to Do After a Traffic Accident? The Checklist

A step-by-step guide after a car accident: securing the scene, documenting evidence, instructing an appraiser – and which mistakes to avoid.

Compensation for Pain and Suffering After a Traffic Accident: Entitlement, Amount, Enforcement

When are you entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, how is the amount assessed, and why are the insurer's first offers usually too low?

Loss-of-Use Compensation: Money While Your Car Is Off the Road

Didn't take a rental car? Then you are entitled to compensation for every day your vehicle is off the road. Amount, duration and requirements – with BGH case law.

Total Loss: Replacement Value, Residual Value and the 130% Rule

Economic total loss – what does the insurer pay? Residual-value pitfalls, settlement variants and the 130% rule, with current BGH case law.

Received a Fine Notice? Appeal, Deadlines and Driving Bans

The two-week deadline, when an appeal is worthwhile, measurement errors, driver identification and how a driving ban can be averted.

Diminished Value: The Forgotten Claim After an Accident

Your repaired accident vehicle is worth less when sold. The insurer must compensate this diminished value – even for older vehicles.

Notional Settlement & Free Choice of Repair Shop: The Porsche and VW Rulings Explained

Payout instead of repair: how notional settlement works, when you can claim brand-workshop rates, and when the insurer may refer you to cheaper workshops.

Dashcam Footage as Evidence: What Applies After the BGH Ruling?

Is dashcam footage admissible in court? The 2018 BGH ruling, data-protection questions and practical tips for correct use.

Hit and Run by the Other Driver: What Claims You Still Have

Other driver fled the scene? Immediate steps, chances of identifying the culprit, and the compensation fund of the German traffic victims' association (Verkehrsopferhilfe).