X. Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme
The Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Scheme provides financial assistance to those injured in road traffic accidents or for dependants of those killed in a traffic accident. It does not require a means test, and does not take into account any element of fault leading to the occurrence of the accident. Damage to property is not covered. The accident must fall within the scope of the Traffic Accident Victims (Assistance Fund) Ordinance, Cap.229 of the Laws of Hong Kong, and must have been reported to the Police. Application must be made within 6 months after the date of the accident. The applicant is required to attend an interview to provide relevant information and documentary proof.
It is important to bear in mind that, under this scheme, the applicant is obligated to notify the Director of Social Welfare if he makes any claim or brings any legal proceedings in respect of the traffic accident, and to notify any person against whom he makes a claim of the amount of money he has received from the fund.
Those who receive compensation in respect of the same accident are obligated to repay the sum they received under the fund. Any person who wilfully fails to comply with the above requirement commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $2,000 and to imprisonment for 6 months.
The paying party, who has been notified under the requirements of this scheme by the applicant in respect such funds, shall not less than 72 hours before they make payment notify the Director of Social Welfare in writing of the name and address of the person to whom or for whose benefit the payment is to be made and the amount of the payment. Any person who wilfully fails to comply with the above requirement commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of $2,000.
Traffic Accident Victims Assistance Section
Address: Room 101, 1/F, Mong Kok Government Offices, 30 Luen Wan Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon
Telephone: 2832 4615-6
Email: tavaenq@swd.gov.hk
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