Compensation for a Single-Vehicle Accident in Den Haag
A single-vehicle accident in Den Haag involves a traffic accident involving only your vehicle, such as skidding on a wet boulevard or falling into a sidewalk hole, with no fault on the part of others. Compensation covers personal injury, material and non-material costs. Without a third party, this can be challenging, but it is possible through your own insurance or the Municipality of Den Haag. This article outlines legal options and steps for residents of Den Haag.
What constitutes a single-vehicle accident in Den Haag and what compensation is available?
In Den Haag, a single-vehicle accident often occurs due to slippery roads in winter, collisions with guardrails on the Utrechtsebaan, or bike accidents caused by manhole covers. No other party is liable, so you must rely on your own resources. Personal injury includes whiplash, fractures, or trauma. Material damage covers car repairs, medical costs, and lost income; non-material damage compensates for suffering.
Unlike accidents involving others, you fall back on your own policy. Police statistics show thousands of single-vehicle incidents in the Den Haag region, with injury in about 20% of cases. See our article on Personal Injury in a Single-Vehicle Accident for more details.
Legal basis for compensation in Den Haag
Compensation is governed by the Dutch Civil Code (DCC), particularly Article 6:162 DCC for unlawful acts, though limited without a perpetrator. Liability insurance does not cover your own damage under the Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance Act (WAM). For road defects, such as an unrepaired pothole maintained by the Municipality of Den Haag, Article 6:174 DCC (strict liability) applies.
The Health Insurance Act (Zvw) covers basic care, but not the deductible (€385 in 2023) or additional therapy. Pain and suffering awards follow the Smartengeldgids, ranging from €500 to €50,000. Without comprehensive coverage, you are not insured for material damage; the Guarantee Fund for Motor Vehicles provides limited assistance for liability claims involving third parties.
Possible compensation and how it works
For a single-vehicle accident in Den Haag, you can claim:
- Material damage: Repairs, rental car, and medical costs via comprehensive or legal expenses insurance.
- Non-material damage: Pain and suffering for distress, via a personal injury lawyer if causally linked.
- Lost income: Zvw for the first two years, then WIA.
Insurance comparison:
| Insurance Type | Coverage for Single-Vehicle Accident | Example Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Liability Insurance | No own damage | Third parties only |
| Liability + Limited Comprehensive | Partial (theft, fire) | Not if at fault |
| Comprehensive | Full, minus excess | Repairs + injury |
| Legal Expenses | Legal assistance | Free claim support |
Real-life examples from Den Haag
Example: You skid on oil on the Laan van Meerdervoort, hit a pole, and suffer whiplash with two weeks off work. Without comprehensive insurance, liability covers nothing for €2,000 car damage. Physiotherapy (€500) partially via health insurer; €1,500 pain and suffering via lawyer (Article 6:106 DCC for work-related accident).
A cyclist falls over a loose tile on a Municipality of Den Haag road. Liable under Article 6:174 DCC: €3,000 hospital costs, €800 bike, €2,500 pain and suffering. Proof is essential. In 2022, the District Court of Den Haag awarded €10,000, including lost income.
Motorcyclists on gravel paths claim via their own policy or ANWB.
Rights and obligations for victims in Den Haag
Rights:
- Access to Zvw care.
- Compensation if a liable party such as the Municipality of Den Haag is at fault.
- Free advice from the Legal Aid Office Den Haag or insurer.
- No success fee for personal injury lawyers.
Obligations:
- Report to police and obtain police report.
- Document damage with photos and invoices.
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.