The key facts

  • That someone other than the owner was behind the wheel can be proven with witness statements, dashcam footage and surveillance camera recordings
  • In serious accidents, an expert examination may be conducted, including fingerprinting or detecting blood traces on the steering wheel
  • The insurer must pay compensation within 20 calendar days, after which a penalty of 0.5% per day accrues

How to prove that someone else was behind the wheel

If at the time of the accident the car was driven by someone other than its owner, this fact can be proven with witness statements, dashcam footage and outdoor surveillance camera recordings. This was stated to Gazeta.Ru by automotive lawyer Lev Voropaev.

Expert examination and alibi

According to the lawyer, if the accident has serious consequences, an expert examination may be conducted, including fingerprinting or detecting blood traces on the steering wheel — usually as part of a criminal case. He emphasized that if the case involves leaving the scene of an accident or driving under the influence, substantial evidence is required: in an administrative case, this could be tickets confirming that the owner was in another region, or bank card transactions.

MTPL payment deadlines

Voropaev separately noted that the insurance company cannot delay compensation in such an accident: the payment must be made within 20 calendar days, and from the 21st day a penalty begins to accrue — 0.5% for each day of delay. In addition, if the insurer fails to satisfy the claims voluntarily, the court may impose a fine of 50% of the unpaid compensation. The article continues a topic the outlet previously covered, explaining to drivers the procedure to follow in case of delayed MTPL payments.