The Supreme People's Court (SPC) released five typical cases involving traffic accident liability disputes on Dec 2 to mark the National Traffic Safety Day. 

The cases cover various scenarios, including accidents involving vehicles not having compulsory traffic insurance, compensation liability determination in accidents between non-motorized and motorized vehicles, and the allocation of losses in accidents involving fellow passengers.

Traffic accidents often result in personal and property damages, sometimes leading to severe consequences such as disabilities or fatalities, plunging the victims into hardship. Ensuring timely and adequate protection and relief for the victims is the primary focus of the people's courts in handling such cases. 

In judicial practices, the people’s courts play their due part in defining compensation scopes appropriately, accurately assigning responsibilities among the parties involved, and promptly providing relief to the individuals affected.

In one case where the victim was beyond the statutory retirement age but still worked for a living, the court supported the compensation claim of the victim for loss of earnings, reflecting a comprehensive protection of the rights of the infringed.

The people's courts also aim to enhance traffic safety awareness among the public by releasing such cases. 

In one of the typical cases, the court ordered the obligor who failed to take out compulsory traffic insurance to share compensation liabilities within the insurance limit with the accident initiator, safeguarding the rights of the victim. This case serves as a reminder for all vehicle owners to comply with the law by having compulsory insurance for basic protection of themselves as well as others.

In another case, the people's court accurately applied the law and reasonably determined the losses between the driver and the  passenger who was taking a ride. The judgment reflects an affirmation and protection of the "carpooling" act, while also urging drivers to strengthen their sense of responsibility.

After a traffic accident, receiving prompt compensation to reduce the costs of seeking justice is often a pressing concern for those affected. The people's courts focus on exploring effective practices in individual cases, enhancing diversified dispute resolution, and facilitating the public to safeguard their rights. In one case, the court found out the appeal of an insurance company was not for the purpose of safeguarding rights, but based on the consideration of performance assessment. The court increased mediation efforts with the insurance company and put forward suggestions on its performance assessment system accordingly. Eventually, the company withdrew the appeal and immediately paid compensation. 

Looking ahead, the people's courts will continue to leverage their judicial functions to strengthen the protection of the legitimate rights and interests of the parties involved, improve the judicial mechanisms, and promote the establishment of a sound traffic order through high-quality judicial work, the SPC said.