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.
I have been assisted by Ms. Van Beest and her team for the past 9 years. I can only say that they are outstanding professionals. In addition to the legal work, Ms. Van Beest also helped me with many related matters and engaged various parties to support me.
Read more...
I see Ms. van Beest and her team as true fighters who don’t let go until everything is handled properly and the best possible result is achieved. I want to say a huge thank you to Team AVB Law, and especially to Babette van Beest, for everything she has done for me. While I hope it won’t be necessary, I wouldn’t hesitate to reach out to her again if the need arises.
Michel B.
3 months ago
I am extremely satisfied with the guidance from Sam. From the very first moment I felt taken seriously and well supported. Sam helped guide me through the process with great knowledge and dedication, and I am very grateful to her for that.
Read more...
Thanks to her commitment and clear communication, everything went smoothly and with excellent results. AVB Law not only met my expectations, but exceeded them!
Saar
4 months ago
The lawyer who assisted 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 guidance she never lost sight of the human side of the situation. This meant a great deal to me during this unpleasant and uncertain period.
Read more...
AVB Law should definitely keep doing what it’s doing and continue to ensure that clients feel seen as individuals. Thank you so much for your guidance!
Wilma P.
4 months ago
In my opinion, AVB Law’s greatest strength was their communication. Sometimes they only needed a single word to understand what I wanted to say. In addition, I was always kept well informed about the progress of the case.
Read more...
All in all, I cannot name any negative aspects of their guidance.
Harrie vd H.
4 months ago
I am very satisfied with the guidance provided by AVB Law. They communicated clearly and gave good and clear explanations about matters that were unfamiliar to me.
Read more...
In addition, they were accessible, so I didn’t hesitate to contact my lawyer if I had any questions. Thanks to her encouraging words, Sanna guided me through the process, even though the case took a long time. I am well prepared for that too.
Suzanne O.
3 months ago
I am very satisfied with the guidance, support, and help from my lawyers Babette and Raymond. They have a great deal of knowledge and provide clear information. They are skilled negotiators who aim for the best possible outcome. They keep you well informed about everything and are personally involved.
Read more...
From start to finish and even beyond, they are committed and offer excellent support.
They have exceeded all expectations and offer outstanding quality. I always felt heard throughout the case, and they are easy to reach and approachable.
A highly professional firm that is there for you both professionally and personally, which is what you want when dealing with personal injury.
Sanne H.
3 months ago
I am extremely grateful for the professional and committed help I received from AVB Law and Babette van Beest during my personal injury case. From the first contact I felt heard, taken seriously, and truly supported.
Read more...
Babette works meticulously, communicates clearly, and has an eye for both the legal and human aspects of the process. She took the time to explain everything thoroughly and kept me informed of every step. Thanks to her efforts, my case had 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. An honest, knowledgeable, and empathetic firm where you are truly in good hands.
Varsana Yogawinkel
4 months ago
AVB Law is a very professional and personally involved party, which we experienced as very pleasant. We are grateful for the excellent assistance from Raymond.
Read more...
He worked tirelessly on our behalf, kept us informed throughout the process, always gave honest and sound advice, and he is guaranteed to deliver on all his promises. We therefore wholeheartedly recommend Raymond and AVB Law.
Ferdinand vd B.
3 months ago
During my process (which ultimately lasted 11 years), Raymond always maintained a good balance between staying calm in his approach, expressing justified indignation when needed, and continuing to think strategically.
Read more...
I am also grateful to him for telling me, after about three years, that the real extent of the damage would only become more visible in the years to come. He insisted on first reaching an agreement about which examinations would be carried out on me and by whom before we could proceed further.
We were always in contact whenever I needed it. He almost always called me back or let me know something.
Finally, I felt such trust in him that I dared to rely on his wisdom. I felt the same with Babette, and I appreciated her energy and determination to keep moving forward. The points I raised were genuinely taken into account in the further procedure. Because of the excellent guidance I received, I have already recommended AVB Law to two other people.
Looking back: what a process it has been. I am so grateful that they stood by me and represented me as a constant, calm, knowledgeable, and strong presence in the “battle” with the insurance company.
Daan vd W.
4 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.