This guide orients foreign victims and defendants, then links to specialized counsel and city hubs.
1. Common claim types
| Type | Key documents | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic | Police determination, CTPL/commercial insurance | Liability ratios drive settlement |
| Workplace | Work-injury recognition, social insurance | May coexist with third-party civil claims |
| Medical | Hospital records, appraisal (鉴定) | Appraisal culture is central |
| Premises | Scene proof, CCTV, incident reports | May overlap product liability |
2. Liability and evidence
Police accident determinations in traffic cases are highly influential. Preserve scene photos, dashcam/video, medical records, expense receipts, employment income proof, and witness contacts immediately. For foreigners, notarized translations and passport/visa proof of stay may be needed.
Early recorded statements to insurers can affect outcomes. Consider counsel before detailed admissions, especially after serious injuries.
3. Compensation heads
Depending on injury severity, recoverable items can include medical expenses, nursing, nutrition, lost income, disability compensation, death compensation and funeral expenses for fatal cases, and emotional distress within recognized limits. Standards often reference local average income statistics - city of forum matters.
4. Insurance and settlement
Insurers play a central role in traffic and some liability claims. Structured settlements should address future treatment and impairment ratings. Do not sign broad releases without understanding Chinese and English versions.
5. Procedure
Negotiation, people's mediation, and litigation are common sequences. Limitation periods apply - do not assume multi-year windows for every claim type. Criminal aspects (e.g., serious traffic offenses) can run in parallel and affect civil strategy; see the criminal defense guide if detention risk exists.
6. Foreign victims and defendants
Jurisdiction, service abroad, and enforcement against overseas insurers/employers require planning. Embassy notification rules may apply in detention scenarios after serious accidents. Workplace injuries for employees also connect to the employment guide.
If you must leave China for treatment, plan evidence collection and power-of-attorney arrangements before travel so local counsel can continue filings.
7. Action steps after an injury
- Seek medical care and retain full records.
- Report to police/insurer as required; avoid casual recorded statements.
- Photograph the scene and collect counterpart contact/insurance details.
- Keep expense receipts and proof of income interruption.
- Calendar limitation periods with counsel.
- For product-related injuries, preserve the product unit and packaging (see product liability).
