Who Can Claim Compensation After a Car Accident in Bulgaria

If you were involved in a car accident in Bulgaria that resulted in injury or death, you or your family members may be entitled to claim compensation.

The persons entitled to compensation in case of death from a road traffic accident are: children (including adopted or raised children), a spouse or partner (the person with whom the deceased lived in a family relationship or cohabitation partnership), and parents (including adoptive or guardians of the deceased).

In addition to the above, by exception, the court may also award compensation to another person (for example, a brother, sister, grandparent, or grandchild of the deceased), if that person proves that they had a stronger relationship with the deceased than is typical for such family ties, and that as a result of the death of their loved one, they have suffered significant and lasting moral pain and suffering.

This means that only in certain cases, and as an exception, persons such as brothers, sisters, grandparents, or grandchildren of the deceased have the right to compensation. Such cases would include, for example, when the deceased lived with a sibling (brother or sister), including when one financially supported the other. According to court practice, compensation may also be granted to persons who raised the deceased and suffered greatly from their loss. Similarly, a grandchild who was raised by a grandparent who died in the accident may also have the right to compensation (so-called “blood money”). Conversely, compensation may also be granted to a grandparent who raised a grandchild who died in a traffic accident. It is also possible, in exceptional circumstances, for compensation to be awarded to other persons who may not even be relatives of the deceased.

Amount of Compensation For Death in a Traffic Accident

In Bulgaria, there is still no established method or official table to determine fixed amounts of compensation for non-material damages resulting from death in a traffic accident. There is also no specific law governing so-called “blood money.” This means that compensation amounts are determined based on fairness, either by the insurer or by the court.

The amount of compensation depends on various factors, such as:

  • the age of the deceased;

  • the family relationship between the deceased and the claimant;

  • the nature of their relationship while the deceased was alive, including whether they lived together and whether one supported the other financially.

The amount also depends on the extent of the pain and suffering experienced by the claimant due to the loss of their loved one, including how the loss affected their personal, emotional, psychological, health, professional, or other aspects of life.

How To Claim Compensation For Death in a Traffic Accident in Bulgaria

To be entitled to compensation for the death of your loved one in a traffic accident, it is necessary to establish the fault of the driver who caused the crash. In such cases, criminal proceedings are usually initiated against the driver for causing death by negligence. Establishing the driver’s fault is essential not only for the criminal case but also for your right to receive compensation from the insurer under the “Civil Liability” insurance of the at-fault driver.

Compensation is due for both non-material and material damages suffered as a result of the death of your loved one. That is why it is highly advisable to engage an experienced lawyer who specializes in cases involving compensation for death in car accidents. Such a lawyer can assist you both in the criminal proceedings against the driver and in filing a claim against the insurer of the at-fault driver under the “Civil Liability” insurance, to ensure that you receive the compensation you are entitled to.

How Advocate Markov’s Team Can Help in Car Accidents in Bulgaria

Our team will advise you on your legal rights and help you understand what to reasonably expect in terms of case duration, the potential amount of compensation, and any possible challenges along the way.

We will represent you both in the criminal proceedings against the responsible driver and in the civil claim for compensation.

Because we value fairness and transparency, you will not owe any legal fees until the court proceedings are completed and compensation is awarded. All obligations are clearly outlined in a written contract, which specifies our legal fee as a percentage of the compensation granted.

Please note that your claim should be filed as soon as possible. Contact us without delay to ensure your rights are fully protected.