Traffic accidents
A traffic accident can have serious consequences and lead to personal injury. In a single moment, your daily life can change, with pain, limitations and uncertainty as a result.
Personal injury after a traffic accident
Alongside your recovery, you are often faced with questions about liability, compensation and contact with the other party or their insurance company. We guide victims of traffic accidents in gaining clarity, structure and legal support under Dutch law.
What is considered personal injury after a traffic accident? Personal injury after a traffic accident arises when you suffer physical or psychological harm in a road situation for which another party is legally liable. This may involve a collision between cars, but also an accident involving a bicycle, scooter or pedestrian.
Injuries resulting from a single vehicle accident or an accident with an unknown driver can also lead to a personal injury claim. Even in those situations, compensation may still be possible. Whether you are entitled to compensation depends on the specific facts and circumstances of the accident. During a free consultation, we discuss your situation and provide insight into the legal possibilities and next steps.
Different rules in traffic cases
In personal injury cases involving a traffic accident, different legal rules apply compared to many other types of accidents. This is because the consequences are often serious and multiple parties may be involved. The assessment of liability is therefore highly case specific and depends on factors such as the type of road users involved, how the accident occurred and the circumstances at that time. This complexity makes it important not to draw conclusions too quickly, but to carefully assess what is legally possible.
Protection varies per situation
Dutch liability law includes specific protective rules in traffic accident cases, and these differ depending on the situation. In certain cases, for example when a motor vehicle collides with a cyclist or pedestrian, additional protection may apply. In other situations, the conduct of all parties involved is examined. This does not mean that someone is automatically liable, but it does mean that the interests of injured victims are carefully weighed. A proper assessment requires insight into these legal rules and how they are applied in practice.
Careful assessment of liability
After a traffic accident, liability is often disputed. Insurance companies assess the situation critically and may rely on exceptions such as force majeure or contributory negligence. In practice, these exceptions are applied restrictively and there is often room for financial compensation. By carefully analysing the situation and gathering the right information, a realistic picture of your legal position can be established. This provides clarity and prevents unnecessary uncertainty about your rights.
Common consequences of a traffic accident
The consequences of a traffic accident differ from person to person, but they are often significant. These may include physical complaints such as pain, reduced mobility or long-term rehabilitation. Psychological symptoms, such as anxiety in traffic or sleep problems, are also common.
In addition, the practical and financial impact can be substantial. For example, due to loss of income, additional expenses or difficulties at work and in daily activities. It is precisely this combination that makes a traffic accident so burdensome. If you are unsure whether to take legal steps, we are happy to think along with you..
How AVB Law can help
We support you throughout the entire process after a traffic accident. We investigate what happened, assess liability and determine the full extent of your personal injury and damages. We handle communication with the other party and their insurer and ensure clear and careful correspondence in English.
During the process, we monitor progress, follow the development of your symptoms and discuss together which steps are necessary. This keeps the claim structured and manageable, so you know exactly where you stand.
Why choose AVB Law
At AVB Law, personal guidance is central. We take the time to listen to your story and clearly explain your rights and what you can expect from a personal injury claim in the Netherlands. You have direct contact with a lawyer, without unnecessary intermediaries.
We work carefully and with genuine involvement, paying attention to your situation and recovery. We keep the legal process understandable and provide peace of mind and clarity.
What clients say about us
Our clients can explain it better than we can. In their words, you will read how important it is to feel heard, to receive clarity and to know that someone is standing beside you during a difficult period.
The lawyer who supported me made me feel that I could rely on her full commitment. I was not just a number to her, but a person. During the process, she never lost sight of the human side of the situation.
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This meant a great deal to me during this difficult and uncertain time. AVB Law should definitely continue in the same way and keep ensuring that clients feel seen as people. Thank you very much for the guidance!
Wilma P.
4 months ago
I am incredibly grateful for the professional and dedicated support I received from AVB Law and Babette van Beest during my personal injury case. From the very first contact, I felt heard, taken seriously, and genuinely supported.
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Babette van Beest works carefully, communicates clearly, and has an eye for both the legal and the human side of the process. She took the time to explain everything thoroughly and kept me informed of every step along the way. Thanks to her dedication, my case resulted in a very positive outcome, which gave me a great deal of peace of mind and confidence during a difficult period.
I can wholeheartedly recommend AVB Law to anyone dealing with personal injury. It is an honest, knowledgeable, and empathetic firm where you are truly in good hands.
Biljana G.
4 months ago
During my case (which ultimately lasted 11 years), Raymond always maintained a good balance between staying calm in his energy, expressing justified indignation when needed, and continuing to look at the situation strategically.
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I am also grateful to him for telling me, after about three years, that the real impact of the damage would likely become even more visible in the years to come. He also remained firm in ensuring that we first reached agreement about which examinations would be carried out on me and by whom before we could proceed further.
In addition, we were always able to stay in contact whenever I needed it. He almost always called me back or made sure to let me know something.
Finally, I felt such a level of trust in him that I was able to place my confidence in his judgment. I felt the same with Babette van Beest. Her energetic, decisive approach really appealed to me, and the points I brought forward were genuinely taken into account in the further procedure. Thanks to the excellent guidance, I have already recommended AVB Law to two other people.
Looking back now: what a process it has been. I am so grateful that they stood by my side as a constant, calm, knowledgeable, and strong presence in the “battle” with the insurer, representing and supporting me throughout.
Daan van der W.
4 months ago
In my opinion, AVB Law's greatest strength was above all their communication. They only ever needed one word to understand exactly what I was trying to say. On top of that, I was kept well up to date on the progress of my case.
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All in all, I cannot name any negatives about the support I received.
Harrie vd H.
4 months ago
No areas for improvement. Girthe handled this process with great care and professionalism. Her friendly approach and thorough working method helped me enormously, and I am very grateful to her for all her dedication and support.
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I would also like to warmly thank Sanna, who handled my case in the beginning, for her help. Her involvement and guidance made a great difference.
Dieuwerke vd V.
5 months ago
I am very satisfied with the guidance, support and help of my lawyers Babette and Raymond. They have extensive knowledge and provide excellent advice. They are skilled negotiators who always strive for the best outcome. They keep you well informed about everything and are personally involved.
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From start to finish and even beyond, they are involved and offer great support. They have exceeded all expectations and deliver outstanding quality. I always felt heard throughout the case and they are easy to reach and approachable. A highly skilled firm that is there for you both professionally and personally, and that is exactly what you want when dealing with a personal injury claim.
Sanne H.
3 months ago
Other types of personal injury
Workplace accidents
Accident at work
Medical error
Medical malpractice
Sports and games
Injury during activities
FAQ
Who is liable in a traffic accident in the Netherlands?
Liability in a traffic accident depends on how the accident occurred, which traffic rules were violated and the role of each party involved. In many cases, the other party is insured and the claim will be handled by their insurance company. Even if you are partly at fault for the traffic accident, you may still be entitled to compensation for part of your damages under Dutch law.
Am I entitled to compensation after a traffic accident?
Yes. If another party is legally liable for the traffic accident, you are entitled to compensation. This includes material damages such as medical expenses and loss of income, as well as non material damages, also known as compensation for pain and suffering.
What should I do immediately after a traffic accident?
After a traffic accident, it is important to call the police and request an official report. Write down the details of all parties involved and any witnesses. Take photographs of the situation and, if possible, complete a European accident statement form. Seek medical attention if necessary.
Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible for a proper assessment of liability and your right to compensation. Early legal advice helps protect your position.
What should I do after a hit and run accident?
If someone leaves the scene of the accident without stopping, always file a report with the police. Note down as many details as possible, such as the license plate, make, model, color, and any striking features of the vehicle. Also, gather witnesses and their contact information, so you can prove that a motor vehicle was involved in the accident.
In the Netherlands, every motor vehicle is required by law to be insured. If the perpetrator is unknown or uninsured, you can recover your damages from the Waarborgfonds Motorverkeer (Guarantee Fund for Motor Traffic), which in such cases acts as the “insurer of the liable party.” However, a strict duty of effort applies: you must demonstrate that you have done everything possible to identify the vehicle or the perpetrator.
How long does a personal injury claim take after a traffic accident?
The duration of a personal injury claim after a traffic accident varies. Minor cases may be settled within a few months. Cases involving serious injuries or permanent disability can take longer. A personal injury lawyer helps speed up the process and ensures that the insurance company handles the claim properly.
How is compensation calculated after a traffic accident?
Compensation after a traffic accident is calculated based on several factors. These include medical expenses, loss of income, costs for household help, travel expenses and compensation for pain and suffering. The amount is supported by medical records, financial documents and other evidence.
What if I was partly at fault for the traffic accident?
Even if you were partly responsible for the traffic accident, you may still receive partial compensation. Dutch law offers additional protection to vulnerable road users such as cyclists and pedestrians. For children under the age of 14, compensation is almost always granted in full.