A new law in Rwanda outlines how individuals affected by accidents are entitled to receive compensation, depending on the type of injury, disability, or damage caused.

Compensation for Bodily Injury (Article 4)
Anyone who suffers bodily harm due to an accident is entitled to reimbursement for medical expenses, the cost of medicines, and other treatment-related costs. They are also eligible for transport costs related to rehabilitation, vocational retraining, and the purchase of artificial teeth, prosthetics, or assistive devices. Refunds must be supported by electronic invoices recognized under national tax regulations.

Compensation for Temporary Disability (Article 5)
If an accident results in a temporary disability that prevents a person from working, they are compensated for lost income from the day they stopped working until they are medically cleared to resume, as certified by a government-approved doctor.

Compensation for Permanent Disability (Article 6)
Victims with a permanent disability, as determined by a qualified doctor, are entitled to compensation for lost earnings or potential earnings, pain and suffering, physical disfigurement, loss of job opportunities, and loss of marriage prospects.

Compensation in Case of Death (Article 7)
Legal beneficiaries of a person who dies due to an accident are entitled to reimbursement of funeral expenses, compensation for lost earnings, and damages for cultural disruption.

Compensation for Property Damage (Article 8)
Property owners whose assets are damaged are compensated based on the actual value of the loss.

Responsibility for Payment (Article 9)
Accidents covered by insurance are compensated by the relevant insurer. Uninsured accidents are covered by a designated compensation authority, provided they are reported within the legally specified time. For example, accidents caused by animals must be reported within two months, while vehicle-related accidents must be reported within two years.

Funding Sources for Compensation (Article 11)
Compensation for uninsured accidents is funded by 10% of mandatory motor vehicle liability insurance contributions and 5% of annual revenues from tourism activities in protected areas.

Compensation Calculation (Article 12)
When exact earnings cannot be proven, compensation is calculated based on the monthly salary from employment, taxed at a 0% income tax rate.