South KoreaI was injured in a traffic accident. How do I claim?
In South Korea, you can claim damages for a traffic accident injury by filing a claim with the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurer under the Automobile Management Act, or by suing in court within 3 years of the accident.
What the Law Says
South Korean law requires drivers to carry mandatory auto liability insurance and provides clear procedures for claiming compensation after an injury-causing traffic accident.
Under the Automobile Management Act, every vehicle owner must maintain compulsory automobile liability insurance. This insurance covers bodily injury and property damage caused to third parties in traffic accidents.
If you’re injured, you may file a direct claim against the at-fault driver’s insurer. The insurer must pay valid claims up to the statutory minimum coverage amount — currently ₩10 million for bodily injury per person.
You must report the accident to police or relevant authorities within 10 days if it involves injury or death (unless exempted by regulation). Failure to report may affect your ability to claim benefits.
The statute of limitations for filing a civil claim for damages is 3 years from the date you became aware of both the injury and the identity of the responsible party, as stipulated in the Civil Act.
Statutory TextEvery owner of an automobile shall enter into an automobile liability insurance contract covering damages arising from bodily injury or property damage caused to others in the course of use of the automobile.
— Automobile Management Act, s. 75 — Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance
Statutory TextThe period of limitation for claims for damages arising from unlawful acts shall be three years from the time when the injured party becomes aware of the damage and of the person liable therefor.
— Civil Act, s. 766 — Period of Limitation for Claims for Damages
What to Do
Report the accident to police or local traffic authority within 10 days if injury occurred.
Gather evidence: photos, medical records, witness contact info, and official accident report (사고확인서).
Submit a written claim to the at-fault driver’s auto liability insurer with supporting documents.
If denied or underpaid, consult a lawyer and consider filing a civil lawsuit within 3 years of knowing the injury and liable party.
For serious injuries, also apply for compensation through the Korea Road Traffic Authority’s Accident Victim Support Program (if eligible).
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.