Hit-and-Run in Den Haag: Criminal Liability
In Den Haag, with its busy traffic on roads like the A4, A12, and in the city center around the Plein, driving off after a traffic accident – commonly known as 'hit-and-run' – is a serious criminal offense. Drivers who flee the scene after a collision without identifying themselves or providing assistance face prosecution by the District Court of Den Haag, fines, and even imprisonment. This article covers the legal rules, local enforcement, and consequences for residents of Den Haag.
What Constitutes Hit-and-Run in Den Haag?
Hit-and-run involves fleeing the scene of a collision without alerting the police or assisting victims. This not only delays prompt aid and resolution but is punishable under Dutch law. In busy Den Haag neighborhoods like Schilderswijk or Scheveningen, especially when injuries occur, it can lead to aggravated harm and harsher penalties from the District Court of Den Haag.
Criminal liability depends on the severity, culpability, and damage involved. Even minor parking scrapes in the city center trigger the duty to stop. This article delves into the criminal aspects, building on our overview of hit-and-run incidents.
Legal Basis
The foundation is the Road Traffic Act 1994 (WVW), specifically Article 7 WVW: a culpable driver who flees an accident causing danger or damage without identifying themselves is liable to punishment. Article 10 WVW requires stopping and exchanging details.
When injuries are involved, provisions from the Criminal Code (Sr) apply, such as Article 121 Sr (failure to assist those in peril) or Article 450 Sr (causing serious bodily injury through negligence). The Supreme Court ruled in Judgment of 15 December 2015 (ECLI:NL:HR:2015:2991) that negligence also qualifies. Since the Administrative Fine for Traffic Rules Act (2020), fines in Den Haag have increased, enforced by Haaglanden Police.
Conditions for Criminal Liability in Den Haag
Prosecution follows if these criteria are met:
- Involvement: You caused or were involved in the incident, e.g., on Zoutmanstraat.
- Culpability: Negligence as per Article 5 WVW.
- Flight: No stop, no exchange of information or assistance.
- Danger/Damage: Injury or property damage to others.
The Public Prosecutor's Office (OM) in Den Haag then initiates proceedings. Minor cases result in a fine via CJIB; serious ones go to the District Court of Den Haag.
Examples from Den Haag Practice
A car clips a scooter rider on the Spui, who falls without serious injury. The driver flees fearing penalties: punishable under Article 7 WVW, with fines of €400–€900 and driving ban. The victim claims via insurance.
More serious: On the A4 near Nootdorp, a truck collides, causes injury, and flees. Aggravated injuries lead to up to 3 years' imprisonment. CCTV from Den Haag roads and witnesses are crucial at the District Court of Den Haag.
Parking damage in a Den Haag garage? Still punishable, often with a transaction fine.
Rights and Duties in Den Haag
Duties of the driver:
- Stop and park safely.
- Provide assistance: call 112 if injured.
- Exchange details: name, address, license plate, insurance.
- Call police if injury or dispute.
- Do not move vehicles except for safety.
Rights of the victim: Compensation via liability insurance. Contact Legal Aid Office Den Haag for free advice or claim assistance. Access to police investigation possible; complain to OM. Drivers may remain silent (Article 29 Code of Criminal Procedure), but cooperation can mitigate penalties.
Overview of Sanctions
| Severity of Accident | Possible Sanction | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Minor damage, no injury | Fine €400–€900 | Art. 7 WVW |
| Damage with injury | Fine + driving ban | Art. 7/10 WVW |
| Serious injury | Imprisonment up to 3 years | Art. 450 Sr |
Contact Legal Aid Office Den Haag for personalized advice or the Municipality of Den Haag for road safety information.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.