Portugalete has a clearly defined judicial and police infrastructure for handling traffic accident claims. The Juzgado de Paz de Portugalete (Local Court) is located at Plaza Del Solar S/N, 48920 Portugalete, Vizcaya, according to publicly available information. This is the body that handles minor civil matters and also accepts certain filings related to traffic accidents, especially when injuries or damages are not severe or when criminal proceedings are not applicable.
Compensation according to the 2024 Traffic Compensation Scale: Concrete Examples and Figures
Spain's traffic accident compensation system is based on the 2024 Compensation Scale (Baremo), which sets specific amounts for each type of injury and damage. For example, a cervicalgia (whiplash) with 45 days of medical leave can result in compensation of approximately €3,200 to €4,500, depending on severity and specific harm suffered. If the victim suffers a radius fracture with 60 days of healing and 10 days of hospital admission, compensation may exceed €6,000. For cases of temporary injuries with mild after-effects, the scale sets a daily amount between €35.71 and €64.25 per day of moderate or severe impairment, respectively. These amounts can increase if there are permanent sequelae, in which case specific tables apply according to the victim's age and personal circumstances.
Step-by-step procedure for claiming compensation after a traffic accident in Portugalete
The first step after an accident in Portugalete is to notify the insurer and request a medical report on the injuries. The formal claim is submitted to the insurance company, which has a three-month period to provide a reasoned compensation offer. If the response is unsatisfactory or absent, judicial proceedings may be initiated. In Portugalete, civil claims can be filed at the Juzgado de Primera Instancia (located at Plaza Bide-Onera, s/n, 48920 Portugalete), while criminal matters related to gross negligence or offenses are handled by the relevant investigating courts.
The general deadline for claiming compensation is one year from the stabilization of injuries, i.e., when the harm is considered definitive. It is essential to provide comprehensive medical reports and expert documentation to support the claim. In many cases, working with independent medical experts is key to proving the real extent of injuries and countering possible objections from insurers.
What our law firm offers in Portugalete
Our law firm operates throughout Spain and has experience handling traffic accident claims both amicably and in court. We collaborate with independent medical experts for objective injury assessment and defend our clients' rights against insurance companies. We offer both in-person assistance in Portugalete and online services, adapting to each client's needs. The initial consultation is without obligation, during which we analyze the case's viability and advise on the best procedure to follow, always in accordance with the current compensation scale and applicable local regulations in Vizcaya.
