Question from a reader:
I recently experienced a 10-to-0 accident. I heard from a friend that the insurance company advised them to visit the hospital for six months. If I go for treatment every day, the number of visits might approach 100. Considering the sick leave benefits, it means I must have quite a good insurance policy, right? What do you
all think?

Thinking About Insurance After an Accident

I heard a story about someone who recently experienced a 10-to-0 accident. This is a very unfortunate event, but how should one handle it from a legal and insurance perspective? It seems there are particular concerns regarding hospital visits and sick leave benefits, so let’s focus on those.

What is a 10-to-0 Accident?

First, a 10-to-0 accident refers to an incident where the other party has no fault at all, and all responsibility lies with us. This is a very rare case, but it could occur, for example, if you run a red light or make a sudden lane change. In such accidents, the compensation and insurance applicability change according to the degree of fault.

The Importance of Hospital Visits

As your friend mentioned, it is common for insurance companies to say, “You should visit the hospital for six months.” This is to prevent the injury from worsening and is also an important factor in claiming insurance benefits. The more hospital visits you have, the easier it becomes to claim medical expenses and sick leave benefits. I myself experienced a minor accident a few years ago. At that time, I felt no pain for the first few weeks, so I thought there was no need to visit the hospital. However, a few months later, the pain suddenly appeared. If I had gone to the hospital from the beginning, I might have received treatment sooner. From that experience, I deeply felt the importance of hospital visits.

What Benefits Come from Frequent Hospital Visits?

Having many hospital visits does indeed lead to an increase in medical expense claims. Additionally, sick leave benefits associated with hospital visits are an important point. Sick leave benefits provide security in case you cannot work due to the accident. For instance, if you earn 300,000 yen a month, a continued inability to work due to hospital visits would result in a loss of that income. If the number of hospital visits approaches 100, the total of medical expenses and sick leave benefits could become quite significant. This might indicate that you have “good insurance,” but in reality, how much benefit you can receive depends on the specifics of the insurance policy and the contract terms.

Check Your Insurance Policy

What is important here is whether you fully understand the details of the insurance policy you are enrolled in. Depending on the type of accident, the applicable items may differ. For example, not only can you claim medical expenses for hospital visits, but you may also be able to claim transportation costs for visits and, in some cases, compensation for pain and suffering. I know someone who, after an accident, communicated with the insurance company multiple times to make appropriate claims. He effectively utilized the often-overlooked items like “transportation costs” and “compensation for pain and suffering,” resulting in a substantial amount received.

Relationship with Medical Institutions

Continuing hospital visits is important, but which medical institution you go to is also crucial. In the case of injuries from an accident, receiving examinations and treatments at a specialized clinic increases the likelihood of receiving more appropriate care. Additionally, the doctor’s diagnosis and treatment reports are very important documents for insurance claims, so building a relationship with a trustworthy doctor is essential. In my case, I started visiting an orthopedic clinic after the accident, and the attending physician was very kind and listened to my concerns in detail, allowing me to receive treatment with peace of mind. Such a trusting relationship with medical institutions can be a significant asset in recovery after an accident and during insurance claims.

Finally, Don’t Forget Mental Care

After an accident, not only is there physical pain, but the mental stress can also be substantial. I personally experienced trauma from the accident, and there were times when I felt down. Mental care is important, so consider seeking psychological counseling if necessary. Accidents are events we want to avoid, but if they do happen, I believe that understanding your rights and addressing the situation appropriately can help alleviate some of the mental burden. By acquiring knowledge about hospital visits and insurance, it should positively impact your future life. As such, there are many options for responding after an accident. Let’s find a method that suits you and strive to feel a bit more secure. I wish for your mind and body to recover as soon as possible.