Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on March 2012

When involved in a car accident in Japan, and keen to claim damage against the insurance company, it is advisable to consult an attorney-at-law (bengoshi).

To receive appropriate compensation, you’ll first need to assess how much you are entitled to. This is where you need someone with the technical knowledge to do the complicated calculations required for assessment.

Of course, the insurance company might assess the damage themselves and offer you a settlement, but insurance companies are likely to restrain their spending—so they might not pay you the desired amount. In that case, you’ll have to calculate the damage yourself and negotiate with the company to receive the appropriate sum.

Other problems can crop up. For example, insurance companies can demand you terminate medical treatment so they can save on costs. You’d then have to convince them the treatment is still necessary.
Negotiations with an insurance company are very difficult—even for native Japanese. Obviously it will be even worse if you’re not a native speaker, and not used to negotiating such things in Japanese.

If you’re not satisfied with the insurance company’s offer, you’ll then have to bring the problem to court. You might also have to file a lawsuit. If you appoint an attorney, he or she can represent you through the whole process.

So, it’s recommended to seek a specialist’s advice for assessing your damage, and negotiating with the insurance—the sooner, the better.

Contact for more info. Sumikawa Law Office. 2-690-9 Saiwai-cho, Saiwai-ku, Kawasaki. Email: web@sumikawa.net. Nearest stn: Kawasaki. http://sumikawa.net