I’m a little late to make this post, and I’m extremely sorry for the long message. On August 8th, I was involved in an accident.
It happened at a T-junction where I had to turn right. An elderly lady was coming on a bicycle, and I collided with her.
I wasn’t wearing any earphones, nor was I looking at my phone. It was a small residential road in a neighborhood — one of those roads with no signs or mirrors. I couldn’t see the lady coming from the left.
I must admit that while making the turn, I entered her lane before completing the turn. I applied the brakes because she wasn’t very close. I almost stopped, but she couldn’t (or didn’t) — I’m not sure of the exact reason. The accident happened right at the turn.
I called an ambulance, and meanwhile, she called the police. Since I don’t speak Japanese, I couldn’t understand much. The police ruled it as a minor accident. They made her sign a document and asked us to leave. Her bicycle wasn’t damaged, but she said she had some pain in her upper leg.
When she returned from the hospital the same day, she and her husband told me that the doctor said everything was fine. I was relieved that she was okay.
At first, I was told the total expense would be around 10,000 yen, but three days later, they informed us (me and my boss) that the cost would be about 50,000 yen and that the doctor had asked her to revisit after two weeks. Later, she told us her treatment was still ongoing and that she would take the money after completing it.
Today is October 8th, and the last I heard, her final treatment date might be October 15th. My boss told me she mentioned that, so far, the medical cost is around 50,000 yen and that she’ll probably visit the doctor two more times. I was also told that the compensation for emotional distress might be over 100,000 yen.
The thing is, I saw her a month ago walking completely fine, and even three days after the accident, when my boss and I went to her house to apologize, she seemed okay — which is a good thing, and I’m grateful she didn’t have to suffer much pain.
I wanted some insight on how much I might have to pay and whether it’s reasonable if she asks for more than 200,000 yen. I’m employed, but I don’t have much savings due to personal reasons.
Thanks a lot!
EDIT: I don't have insurance 🙁
by sarthakbhan