Brussels, 20/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Commission wishes to consult witnesses of road accidents inside or outside the European Union in order to see how best to improve the rights of inhabitants of the EU and therefore opened a public consultation exercise on 20 July 2012, which will run until 19 November. Anyone who has had trouble completing an accident report or get compensation is invited to provide information to the Commission, which is also consulting with insurance companies and lawyers dealing with road accidents in other countries.
EU Justice Commissioner Viviane Reding said: “A road accident is a stressful experience for anyone, but it can get even worse if the victim is denied compensation due to complicated rules on bringing a claim. The European Commission wants to find out more so that we can offer effective solutions and make sure all victims have proper access to justice. European Citizens should feel at ease when using their car to go on holiday in another EU country”. The consultation seeks to find out how to improve information for victims of road accidents abroad and how to harmonise the claims deadlines in the EU (anything from three years to ten years). In the light of the results of the public consultation, the Commission will be able to suggest tailor-made solutions to ensure that citizens' rights are guaranteed, even in the event of a road accident in other country. (MD/transl.fl)