Hit-and-run accident

You have been hit by another road user. You still have not recovered from the shock when you see that the perpetrator has not stopped. This is a criminal offence. Unfortunately, this is not an uncommon occurrence. Are you entitled to compensation if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident? And how should you act in this situation? We can explain this to you.

Involved in a hit-and-run accident? Take immediate action

You are always eligible for compensation if the other party has caused the accident. Our lawyers know exactly what to do to obtain the maximum compensation for you. Your dedicated lawyer will make sure that you feel understood. Fill in the contact form and provide your name and phone number. Tell us what happened. We will call back the same working day.

Are you eligible for compensation in case of a hit-and-run accident?

It is pretty intense if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident. Quite understandably, it may hinder your recovery. This awful experience leaves many victims with additional personal injury. Physical, emotional, and material injury. It is precisely for this type of traffic accidents that the Waarborgfonds Motorverkeer, the Dutch Motor Traffic Guarantee Fund, was set up. A lawyer can assist you in claiming compensation from this fund.

However, the Waarborgfonds Motorverkeer imposes three strict requirements:

1. The accident must have been caused by a motor vehicle.
2. There must be at least one witness to the accident. The witness is your proof that the accident was caused by a motor vehicle.
3. If you were unable to see the licence plate, you must report the accident to the police immediately. If you or somebody else have written down the licence plate, the accident must be reported to the police within 14 days.

If there are no witnesses, you can also gather other proof. We will tell you more about this below.

Step-by-step plan in case of a hit-and-run accident

The perpetrator did not stop after the accident. What should you do? It is important that you:

1. Ask bystanders if they have seen anything or gather proof in other ways.
2. Take pictures of the damage and the scene of the accident.
3. Go to your GP or hospital immediately after the accident.
4. Report the accident to the police as soon as possible.
5. Write all your damages down in a notebook starting from the first day of the accident.
6. Keep all receipts and invoices.

Always make copies of your evidence. You can give these copies to your lawyer.

Witnesses or evidence of the accident

No bystanders? Look for any street cameras; these also serve as proof. If you can find some part of the motor vehicle that came off in the accident, this may also be used as proof. You may also:

• Canvas the local area to ask neighbours or shopkeepers if they saw anything.
• Post a message on social media.

With the help of one or more of these forms of evidence, your lawyer will be able to claim the compensation to which you are entitled.

Keep a log

We advise you to keep a log, in which you record everything related to the accident and the aftermath. If a family member comes by every day to help you with the housekeeping, for example, you will be entitled to compensation for their time even if they do so out of love.

It is therefore important to write everything down from day one of the accident, including how you feel. Your lawyer will use this information to calculate your compensation.

Legal assistance in case of a hit-and-run accident

We advise you to always obtain legal assistance if you have been in a hit-and-run accident. It is very frustrating if you have to do everything yourself. Your dedicated lawyer will take care of everything for you so that:

• You are not forced to conduct difficult, legal discussions with the insurer.
• All your physical, emotional, and material damage is compensated.
• You are informed of the progress of your personal injury claim at all times.
• Your wishes will be recognised during the personal injury procedure.
• You will be able to recover without additional worries, in the knowledge that your lawyer will take care of everything.

Furthermore, it will not cost you anything. In case of a hit-and-run accident the extrajudicial costs are paid for by the Waarborgfonds Motorverkeer.

Fill in your name and phone number on the contact form. Give us the details of the hit-and-run accident and your personal injury. One of our lawyers will call you back the same working day.