How to Make Car Accident Compensation Claims There are a variety of factors you should think about when submitting an application for car accident compensation. These include suffering and pain, economic losses and the loss of quality of life. You have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim if you sustain a serious injury. Pain and suffering Pain and suffering are non-economic damages. This kind of injury doesn't have a fixed value, so it can be calculated differently based on the severity of injuries as well as the length