I’ve been in a traffic accident. What should I do?

• Almost always entitled to compensation: Whether you were rear-ended or were riding a bicycle, the law protects victims very well. You are almost always entitled to compensation.
• Take immediate action: Ensure your own safety immediately after the accident, gather evidence, and always visit a doctor (even for mild symptoms).
• Free legal support: As soon as the opposing party has acknowledged liability, our assistance is legally 100% free of charge for you. The opposing party’s insurer pays our fees.
• Personalized approach: At Kracht! Letselschade, you are not just a number. You will have a dedicated specialist who manages the contact with the insurer and fights for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

Have you been hit in an accident in the Netherlands and are you looking for legal support to claim your personal injury damages? The personal injury specialists at Kracht! Letselschade provide free assistance and advice to help you get the compensation you are entitled to.

A traffic accident can turn your life upside down in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, you are faced with challenges you never anticipated: pain, medical appointments, financial worries, and uncertainty about the future. At Kracht! Letselschade, we understand how overwhelming and emotional this can be. Whether you have questions about your rights, the costs, or what to expect – we are here for you with advice and guidance, completely free of charge.

Direct na een aanrijding is het belangrijk een aantal stappen te nemen. Veiligheid gaat boven alles! Bekijk hier de belangrijkste stappen voor direct na een aanrijding.

Liability depends on the situation and the vehicles involved in the accident.

Situation 1: You were rear-ended (Tail-gating collision)

In a rear-end collision, the rear vehicle is almost always at fault and liable for the accident. This is based on Dutch legislation (Article 5 of the Road Traffic Act and Article 19 of the Regulations on Traffic Rules and Traffic Signs). The law states that drivers must maintain sufficient distance to prevent accidents.

There are two exceptions: if the front vehicle braked suddenly without reason or cut you off. In those cases, the front vehicle is liable for the damages.

Situation 2: I was hit while on a bicycle

Specific rules apply to liability in collisions involving cyclists. Here is an overview of liability in three scenarios:

Hit on a bicycle by a car
If you were hit on your bicycle by a car, the driver of the motor vehicle is almost always (partially) liable. This applies even if you might have made a mistake yourself. The law (Article 185 of the Road Traffic Act) protects vulnerable road users, such as cyclists. In most cases, the car insurer must cover at least 50% of the damages. If you bear no fault whatsoever for the accident, the car insurer must compensate all damages, including personal injury damages and compensation for pain and suffering.

Hit on a bicycle by a moped or scooter
Because mopeds and scooters are also considered motor vehicles, this type of accident falls under rules that give cyclists extra protection. In most cases, the driver of the moped or scooter must therefore compensate at least a portion of your damages. Only if you made a clear traffic violation yourself, such as running a red light, can this affect the compensation. Even then, you are often still entitled to a (partial) compensation.

Hit on a bicycle by an (electric) bicycle
If you were hit by another cyclist, liability is determined by whoever made the mistake (the standard rules for civil liability). If the other cyclist is at fault, he or she must compensate your damages. If you both share some of the blame, the compensation can be divided based on the degree to which each party is responsible.

That’s why it’s essential to document everything carefully, so liability can be established and you can receive a fair settlement.