How to Make Car Accident Compensation Claims When making claims for compensation in the event of a car accident, there are a few things to consider. These include pain and suffering, economic losses as well as loss of quality of life. You have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim should you sustain a serious injury. Pain and suffering Pain and suffering are non-economic damages. This kind of damage doesn't have a fixed dollar amount, and is calculated differently based on the severity of injuries as well as the amount of