This is what you should do if you have been in a traffic accident
Have you had an accident on a bicycle or car? Then in serious cases you call 112. Even if it is not life-threatening, you call for help. This article tells you what to do if you are involved in a traffic accident.
There are rules regarding traffic accidents where you need to call the police
Call 112 if there is an emergency or life-threatening situation. If not, call the police at 0900-8844. You call the police if:
Someone is injured
One of the vehicles involved has major damage
There is a foreign vehicle involved in the accident
A person involved drives off after the accident
There is an essential disagreement with the other party
When a crime is suspected (e.g. driving under the influence)
There are special rules for accidents between pedestrians, bicyclists and motor vehicles
Pedestrians and cyclists are vulnerable in traffic. They are therefore given extra protection under Dutch law and in traffic regulations. If a car hits a pedestrian or cyclist, the driver usually has to pay for the damage. Only if the driver really could not do anything may the court decide otherwise.
Cyclists and pedestrians 14 years of age or older will always be compensated 50% of their damages, unless the court finds that it really was not the driver's fault. Children under 14 are always compensated 100%.
Traffic rules in the Netherlands
You are required to have liability insurance if you participate in traffic in the Netherlands
If you own a motor vehicle, you are required to have
Your liability insurance only pays for damage you caused in an accident. Do you have damage yourself? Then the liability insurance does not pay for you and you have to pay for the damage yourself. If you have car insurance, it does pay (part of) your damages depending on the insurance policy.
Is someone else driving your vehicle and has an accident? Then the liability insurance or additional insurance does not always cover the damage and you have to pay for it yourself. Check your insurance and make arrangements with the person to whom you lend your vehicle.
You take these steps in case of a traffic accident
1. Is anyone injured? Call 112. If not, call the police at 0900-8844.
2. Provide first aid if you can. Do not move an injured person if not necessary.
2. Make sure that all vehicles involved are secure. If this requires you to move your vehicle, take pictures of the situation first.
3. Use a warning triangle to alert other traffic.
4. Complete the European claim form together with the persons involved. Do not leave the scene of the accident without exchanging information with the other person(s) involved. You are punishable if you do not do this. It is good to always have a printed form in your car. You can also report damages digitally through
5. Call your insurance company's emergency hotline. They can help, for example, call in a tow truck to recover your vehicle if you can no longer drive it. The costs are handled through your insurance company. You can also contact Bergnet if you have any questions about recovery by calling 088-8881100.
6. Report your claim to your insurance company. Do this digitally or on paper within 24 hours of the accident.