About the Information Centre.
The European Union (EU), in the context of the protection of victims of car accidents that take place in Member States other than the Member State of residence of the victim, adopted the EU Directive 2000/26/EC, which is known as the 4th Motor Vehicle Directive.
According to this Directive, the person (call from now and on as Third Party) injured in an accident abroad may claim compensation for material damage or bodily injury under the law of the Member State where the accident occurred, TP returns to TP’s place of permanent residence in TP’s own language and with procedures with which TP is familiar.
According to the Directive, the EU Member States from 20/01/2003 onwards should set up a Compensation Body and an Information Centre. The same obligation applies to the 10 new Member States from 01/05/2004, as well as to Bulgaria and Romania from 1/8/2007.
What information is provided by the Information Centre.
Any natural or legal person injured in a traffic accident and any person having a legitimate interest shall be entitled to request and obtain from the Information Centre of the Member State of residence or of the Member State of which the vehicle bears a license plate or of the Member State where the accident occurred the following:
- The name and address of the insurance undertaking.
- The number of the insurance policy.
- The name and address of the representative in Greece responsible for the settlement of claims.
The Information Centre shall provide to the injured party the name and address of the owner of the vehicle or the usual driver or owner, if the injured party proves that has a legitimate interest in receiving this information.
Purpose.
The purpose of the Information Centre is to provide information:
- To injured parties residing in Greece to facilitate their claim for compensation for material damage or bodily injury caused by a traffic accident that occurred out of the territory of Greece, within the framework of the 4th Motor Vehicle Directive.
- The Information Centre has the same obligation to inform the injured parties residing in a Member State of the EU and the EESC, if the accident occurred in Greece or was caused to them by a vehicle with Greek license plates.
- The Information Centre may provide information on vehicles that are normally based in Greece and have been involved in a traffic accident in Greece to facilitate the claim for compensation by injured parties with a legitimate interest.
The Information Centres of the EU Member States cooperate with each other for the exchange of data, in accordance with the concluded Cooperation Agreement.