Compounding of offence

Compounding of an offence means settling certain traffic offences by paying a fine to the authorities instead of being prosecuted in court.

A late police report after an accident is one offence that can potentially be compounded. Paying the compound does not by itself defeat an injury claim, a worry addressed in the late police report myth. It is a separate matter from any civil compensation claim.

Whether an offence is offered for compounding is at the authorities’ discretion. It is not an automatic right for the driver.

Compounding closes the criminal side of the matter. It says nothing about who was at fault for the accident, which the insurer or court assesses separately.

If you were hurt and have been told you face a charge for a late report, an independent lawyer can take on your injury claim while you deal with the compound separately.