Spanish court upholds 102,000 euro insurance payout

The High Court of Justice of Castilla y León has upheld a ruling requiring the insurer Línea Directa to pay 102,000 euros in compensation to a victim of a 2022 traffic accident. The insurer had hired a private detective to attempt to disprove the victim's claims of reduced mobility; however, the court found that the detective's findings actually corroborated the victim's condition, noting she rarely left her home and required assistance to walk.

The accident occurred on Christmas Eve 2022 when a driver lost control of her vehicle, crossed into the opposite lane, and collided with a car carrying an elderly couple. The collision resulted in the death of one occupant and left the widow with severe injuries and permanent sequelae. While the driver received a criminal sentence involving a fine and a driving ban, the court ratified the civil liability ruling against the driver and her insurer.