I had an accident in France but live in Germany. Can I make a claim locally?

What the Law Says

EU Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012 — known as Brussels Ia — determines which court has jurisdiction in cross-border civil cases within the EU. It allows victims of accidents abroad to bring claims in their home courts under certain conditions.

Under Article 4(1) of Brussels Ia, you may generally sue a defendant in the courts of the EU country where they are domiciled. But crucially, Article 7(2) provides an exception for tort claims: you may also sue in the courts of the EU country where the harmful event occurred — or where the damage was sustained.

Since you live in Germany and suffered harm there (e.g., ongoing medical treatment, loss of income, or psychological impact manifesting in Germany), German courts may accept jurisdiction under Article 7(2), even though the accident occurred in France.

Note: National limitation periods still apply. In France, personal injury claims typically expire after 2 years from the date you knew or should have known of the damage (Art. 2224 French Civil Code). In Germany, it’s generally 3 years from the end of the year in which you became aware of the damage and the liable party (§ 195 BGB).

Statutory Text

A person domiciled in a Member State may be sued in another Member State: ... (2) in matters relating to tort, delict or quasi-delict, in the courts for the place where the harmful event occurred or may occur.

— Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012, Art. 7(2) — Jurisdiction over tort matters

Statutory Text

Persons domiciled in a Member State shall, whatever their nationality, be subject to the jurisdiction of the courts of that Member State.

— Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012, Art. 4(1) — General jurisdiction

What Courts Have Said

Courts across the EU have interpreted Article 7(2) broadly to include places where damage is felt — not just where the accident physically occurred.

What to Do

Sources