Insurance and Responsibility When an Accident Involves a Military Vehicle and a Civilian Car
When a collision involves a civilian vehicle and a military transport, getting compensation can be challenging. Some military vehicles do not carry OSAGO, the compulsory motor third party liability insurance, which means police cannot immediately register the accident without an insurance policy in place. In such cases, compensation may require legal action against the military unit that operates the vehicle. This perspective comes from Sergey Radko, a lawyer associated with the Freedom of Choice auto movement, who spoke with socialbites.ca about the issue.
Radko notes that not every vehicle in the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation is covered by OSAGO. Without an insurance document, officers may be unable to officially register the accident at the scene. As a result, the process to obtain compensation often involves filing a lawsuit against the specific military unit that employs the driver. This is a procedural hurdle that can complicate and delay any potential claim. The lawyer also pointed out that even when a court rules in favor of the civilian party, enforcing the decision can be difficult. The Ministry of National Defense allocates its budget irregularly, usually in several allocations per year, which means funds may not be readily available to satisfy a judgment. In practical terms, Radko suggested that the entire process could extend six months or longer before any payout is realized. [citation: socialbites.ca]
In the immediate aftermath of an accident, the civilian driver should contact the traffic police to document the scene and determine who else should be called. If the civilian driver is found to be at fault, the standard police procedures apply. However, when a military driver is involved, the military traffic police, known as VAI, take the lead in addressing the incident. This division of responsibility can influence how fault is established and how subsequent claims are processed. [citation: socialbites.ca]
Radko also explained that military personnel sometimes may leave the scene under certain orders. Such actions are subject to verification by both military police and the VAI to confirm whether any orders were issued and whether the driver was acting under a legitimate directive or leaving under duress. The aim is to ensure accountability and prevent abuse of authority while maintaining safety at the scene. [citation: socialbites.ca]
There is also a notable safety concern raised by a former medical professional who spoke with socialbites.ca about the risk posed by bacteria living in car air conditioning systems. This point underscores the broader importance of vehicle maintenance and safety during travel, especially in scenarios where vehicles are used for military or official purposes. [citation: socialbites.ca]