P. D. Pius & Associates

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Happy Sunday to you and your family, from all of us at P. D. Pius & Associates

Pius Danba with clients today at Federal High Court Jalingo after proceedings challenging the APC primaries for Ardo Kola/Karim/Law and Jalingo/Yorro/Zing.

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One mistake Nigerian drivers make after an accident is, trying to negotiate settlement on the spot.

Whether or not you are a car owner in Nigeria, you must have come across situations where two vehicles collide on the road—sometimes a minor scratch, sometimes serious damage.

What usually follows is very familiar: both drivers step out of their vehicles, heated arguments begin, exchange of words, insults are traded, people gather and traffic builds up.

In many cases, after hours of arguments, one party—usually the one considered at fault—ends up pleading and paying some form of "informal settlement" on the spot.

These informal settlements, in most cases, do not adequately cover the actual damage caused.

In other cases, there is no real resolution at all. Both parties simply enter their vehicles and drive off in anger.

What many Nigerian drivers do not know is this: after a road accident of this nature, you do not necessarily have to engage in roadside settlement or personally bear the cost of the damage caused.

Why?

Because there is already a system in place designed to handle such situations. When you register your vehicle in Nigeria, one of the mandatory documents required is an insurance certificate.

This is where motor insurance comes in—particularly third-party insurance. In simple terms, third-party insurance is a policy that protects other road users from losses or damages caused by your vehicle.

So, in a situation where you are the driver at fault and you damage another person’s vehicle, you do not necessarily have to resort to roadside negotiations and out-of-pocket settlements.

What you should do instead is promptly notify your insurance provider and initiate the appropriate claims process.

The insurance company, depending on the policy terms and liability assessment, becomes responsible for compensating the affected third party within the policy limits.

It is also advisable to engage a lawyer to protect your interests throughout the process, ensure compliance with applicable legal requirements, and intervene where there is a dispute regarding liability, compensation, or the insurer's obligations.

Road accidents happen unexpectedly. Knowing the right way to handle it makes a lot of difference.

Would you like to learn more about Insurance Law in Nigeria? Visit www.pdpiusandassociates.com to speak with a Lawyer.

Remember, ignorance of the law is no excuse.

BUSINESS LAW MONDAY




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