A Guide To Netherlands Car Accident Claims – How To Claim Compensation For A Car Accident In The Netherlands

By Joanne Jeffries. Last Updated 3rd December 2021. Welcome to this guide covering accident claims in the Netherlands for those who’ve had an accident on holiday in The Netherlands.

A road traffic accident could be a traumatic experience for all those involved, regardless of the severity of the incident, any road accidents could leave a lasting affect on many aspects of your life. Driving on roads that are not familiar like those of a foreign country can have its own hazards. We have provided this guide to those who may be travelling abroad and want to know what to do in the event of a road accident but also for those who may have had a road accident while in Holland. Whether you are visiting Holland for business or leisure, you may be unsure of what to do after a car accident in the Netherlands. This is where the expertise of a personal injury lawyer could help.

Car accident in Holland claims guide accident claims in the Netherlands accident on holiday in The Netherlands

Car accident in Holland claims guide

If you were involved in a car accident in the Netherlands while on holiday or there for business that was caused by third party negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. Ignoring a give-way sign or running through a red light could result in dire consequences for other road users. There are rules of the road for a reason to keep all road users safe when travelling on journeys.

When making any types of claims we always advise using a lawyer that has specific experience in that area of personal injury law so that they have the knowledge and experience required to make successful claims. For more information all you have to do is pick up the phone to discuss your circumstances with one of our advisors. We offer free, no obligation consultations to those affected by third-party negligence. Call us today on 0800 073 8801 or consider the communication methods at the bottom of this guide.

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A Guide To Claiming For A Car Accident In The Netherlands

The Netherlands is one of many popular destinations in the European Union which attracts millions of tourists each year. As there are so many travellers to this destination we thought that we would provide information in cases of road accidents so that travellers from the UK will have some idea what process to follow. In this guide, we will expand upon the personal injury claims process in cases of third party negligence, explain what to do after a road traffic accident in the Netherlands to strengthen your case and look at what to do before driving in Holland to ensure you are covered legally if a road traffic accident (RTA) occurs. You can also find information on what a no win no fee agreement is and how it can benefit a claimant.

If you are unsure about what steps to take after an RTA, or what process to follow once you return home to the UK, then this guide can help to provide a fuller account of what actions you should take in order to support your claim. In addition to this, you will find information to the relevant emergency services in the Netherlands, along with advice on how to receive medical treatment for any injuries sustained after a Dutch road accident.

However, if you have any more concerns that you feel have not been answered by the information in our guide, then please feel free to contact an advisor from our expert team. They possess a wealth of knowledge to help those in need of legal advice for Dutch car accident claims, including what different processes to take when looking to secure personal injury compensation in Holland or after you return home to the UK.

You can find more information about other Netherlands holiday accident claims in our detailed online guide.

Towns And Cities In The Netherlands

The Netherlands is home to some of the most beautiful and scenic cities in Europe, most of which are well known for their flat landscapes boasting Dutch architecture, museums and canals. Also commonly the capital Amsterdam is famously known as the home of the house where Anne Frank hid during World War II.

In this section, you will find of the top 10 largest cities in the Netherlands, ranked in order of population.

  1. Amsterdam (Capital)
  2. Rotterdam
  3. The Hague
  4. Utrecht
  5. Eindhoven
  6. Tilburg
  7. Groningen
  8. Almere Stad
  9. Breda
  10. Nijmegen

If you have been involved in a Dutch car accident either in one of the cities listed above or another area in the Netherlands, you could secure a settlement amount for an injury and/or illness suffered as a result of third party negligence.

What Should I Do Before I Drive In Holland / The Netherlands?

There are many ways in which you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Holland, whether it be by train, bus or driving yourself across the Dutch roads. However, prior to beginning your journey you must first ensure you are legally protected with the relevant verses of the law for driving in Holland. When trav

Although not a requirement to drive on Dutch roads it is important that you ensure that you are protected with health insurance in case you are involved in any type of accident while using the road. In the pre-Brexit period, your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is still valid as a UK citizen. Even if you do not possess an EHIC card, you can apply for one from the UK Government website free of charge.

An EHIC card allows you to receive treatments at a lower costs, or even free of charge, while visiting various European countries as long as the UK is part of the EU or through its transition period until December 2020. This could potentially lower the cost of unexpected medical bills if you are severely injured by a car accident in Holland and require immediate treatment. There is more information on the importance of an EHIC card in this guide.

In order to travel by means of your own car, you must have a full UK driving licence prior to entering the country. You cannot drive in the Netherlands with a provisional licence. The UK Gov website further advises that you will need:

  • Written consent is required if you are driving a car that isn’t yours
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) if there is a no-deal Brexit
  • Car insurance
  • Vehicle documents
  • Identification

You should also look to familiarising yourself with Dutch road etiquette prior to visiting the country as their system is slightly different to that of the UK’s. For example, on some roundabouts you will have right of way, but others give right of way to vehicles entering them. The Dutch also drive on the right and give priority to those coming from the right.

Further from this, if you do plan on using your own or a rental car while visiting Holland, you should look to investing in an emergency triangle and safety vest. While not a mandatory possession to drive in Holland, it could be particularly useful following a break down.

Why Should You Have Insurance Cover For Driving And Travel?

There are a plethora of reasons as to why insurance cover is important for not only driving and travel, but almost every walk of life. By taking up insurance, you are securing a sense of reassurance in the know that your provider will assist you without you need any funds as they are paid already. An insurance policy will protect you financially and reduce any stress associated with an incident.

There are several common types of insurance, some of which include:

  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Pet insurance
  • Homeowners/renters insurance
  • Disability insurance
  • Car insurance
  • Flood insurance

It is incredibly important to be insured for your travels as the insurance can cover a range of unexpected mishaps, such as loss of baggage, emergency medical bills, a cancelled flight or even a wrongful death.

What To Do When You Have A Car Accident In Holland

There were 678 reported road deaths on Dutch roads in 2018, according to the Department for Transport. This roughly equates to 39 road deaths per million of the population, in comparison to the UK which on average in 2018 experienced 28 road deaths per million of the population. Much like UK driving laws, it is illegal to use a mobile phone or drink under the influence of alcohol (depends on units) and/or drugs.

If you have been involved in an RTA, there are some steps that you should take to strengthen your claim as a victim. Even if you are involved in a rental car accident in Holland, you could still use this advice to support your case. The two paragraphs below describe what a claimant should do while a) still in the Netherlands and b) once returned home to the UK.

What To Do While Still In The Netherlands

The first thing you should do if you are involved in a car accident in the Netherlands is to seek medical attention if there are major injuries. It may then be wise to report it to the relevant authorities. Once reported, you should note the name(s) of the police officer(s) who handle the case and be sure to obtain a unique reference number from them or a copy of the report.

Following this, you should also:

  • Seek medical attention: Ensure your injury or illness is seen to by a medical professional if they did not require emergency care.
  • Report to a tour operator: If the holiday was booked as a package holiday, make sure the incident is reported to the vendor.
  • Contact your insurer: If you intend to make a claim on your medical/travel insurance you will need to inform them prior to this. Any expenditure will need to be cleared.
  • Collect witness contact details: If there were any witnesses of the incident, whether they are foreign nationals or tourists, you should gather their contact information. Your personal injury solicitor will request a witness statement from them at a later date.
  • Take photographs: Any photographic evidence of the scene can be used to support your claim. Make sure you collect these as soon as possible, especially as the scene of an RTA will be cleared as quickly as possible.

What’s more, you should request a copy of any medical reports or incident reports that you complete as a way of collecting evidence.

What To Do Once Returned Home To The UK:

One you have returned home to the UK, there are additional measures that you could take. These include:

  • Contact your package holiday operator: You will need to inform the operator that you are home safely and all the information you gave while in Holland is still on record.
  • Contact your insurer: Again, you should inform your medical and/or travel insurer that you are home safely. This will be the time to find out how you can claim any medical expenses back.
  • Visit your GP: Once back in the UK, have your injuries/illnesses looked at as this will ensure you are on the right medication and if any treatment is needed can be organised. Also it will leave a record of your medical health and the harm you have suffered.
  • Contact Accident Claims UK: We can assess the validity of your claim for you under a free, no obligation consultation and advise whether you maybe eligible to make a claim for compensation.

Our guide to holiday accident claims can provide you with more information, click here to read it.

Getting Help In An Emergency In The Netherlands

If you are involved in a car accident in the Netherlands and you are not sure what to do, you can seek the help of the emergency services in the Netherlands. In this section, we have included the contact details of the relevant emergency services.

You should dial 112 as this operates as a unified point of contact for all emergency services for those who are from different countries. In addition to this, some unique numbers for less common services include:

  • Coastguard: 0900 0111
  • SOS 24-Helpline (English): 0900 0767

Accessing And Paying For Dutch Medical Services

After a car accident in the Netherlands, you should seek medical attention for any injuries sustained, even minor cases of whiplash. In Holland, it is possible for UK holidaymakers to access healthcare systems through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) scheme. As long as you have a valid EHIC card, you acquire the same standard of medical care as residents of the Netherlands. You can apply for a EHIC card by clicking here.

However, if you do not own an EHIC card or you are visiting the country after Brexit, then there is the option of using private healthcare facilities. If you have medical insurance, you can request permission from your provider to use the private healthcare systems in Holland. Your insurer will speak with the healthcare provider in question to settle your medical costs. However, in some instances you may still be required to cover your own expenses.

Completing A Car Accident Report With The Police And Insurance Providers

As previously mentioned, a police report of the accident will help support your personal injury compensation claim for any injuries you have suffered due to road user negligence that you want to make a claim for.

You can also report the damage to:

Polisa.nl

Burgemeester Godschalxstraat 59,
5235 AB, ‘s-Hertogenbosch
Telephone: 088 1021 544

Dealing With A Rental Car Crash

As with most car injury claims, you will need to report the incident to the police, recover witness contact details and take photographic evidence of the scene. However, if the vehicle you were driving was a rental car then there are additional measures which will need to be taken into consideration. However, it is still advised to exchange contact details with those involved (if possible).

You will need to inform the rental company and explain the situation to them. Generally speaking, the company should usually handle the recovery, repair and replacement of the hire car themselves and contact the third party’s insurance company.

Claims For Whiplash Injuries In Dutch Road Accidents

A whiplash injury can be sustained from any form of road traffic injury, regardless of how severe the accident itself is. Even after the time of the accident, symptoms can develop slowly over a period of time.

There are some common symptoms that reflect a whiplash injury, which include:

  • Neck pain
  • Stiffness
  • Headaches
  • Pain
  • Muscle spasms (i.e. shoulder and arms)

If you are experiencing these symptoms you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. NHS recommended that you continue with daily activities to the best of your ability and avoid resting your neck for long periods of time. You can find more advice in this NHS guide to whiplash.

If you have sustained a whiplash injury due to third party negligence, you could conduct a Netherlands car accident compensation claim for your suffering.

Do I Have To Claim Through A Dutch Solicitors?

Depending on your circumstances will have a bearing on how you proceed with any personal injury claims. In some cases you maybe able to conduct your claim once back in the UK but as all cases differ we cannot say for certainty.

Here at Accident Claims UK, we are well-versed in multiple areas of the law. We can lend our expertise to help victims conduct personal injury claims, for more advice please use our contact details near the end of this guide.

What Are The Limitation Periods In Dutch And UK Law?

If you are a victim of third-party negligence, there will be applicable personal injury claims time limits which will restrict the time in which you can make a claim under. These may vary between countries, which is why it’s important to understand what time limit is relevant to your unique case.

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Circumstances Of Claim Time Limit For Claim
An injury/illness sustained on a packaged holiday, flight or trip that was booked as a package holiday through a UK-based tour operator. May include rental car as part of a package holiday. 3 years
On a privately booked holiday, flight or trip. 5 years
On a privately booked flight from or to:
– Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Amsterdam
– Eindhoven Airport, Eindhoven
– Maastricht Aachen Airport, Maastrict
– Rotterdam The Hague Airport, Rotterdam
2 years Montreal Convention

Calculating Compensation For A Car Or Road Accident

The amount of compensation you could be entitled to may vary not only between severity of injuries but also from country to country. Where an online personal injury claims calculator can provide you with a rough estimation of your potential damages, you can speak with one of our advisors to obtain a more centralised figure.

This is because each case is unique and therefore an individual’s circumstances can impact the final settlement amount. As such, below are figures of how much a person could receive for their injuries under claims pursued in English law. It should be noted, however, that these amounts are based on JC Guidelines for English-based accident claims. Therefore, these settlements are likely to vary for accident claims outside England and Wales

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Injury Severity Amount Information
Neck Injury Severe In the region of £139,210 Despite wearing a collar for 24 hours a day for an extended period of time, an injury of this severity will leave the victim with little or no movement. They will also suffer headaches with incomplete paraplegia or permanent spastic quadriparesis.
Moderate £23,460 to £36,120 Both fractures or dislocations of this nature which may necessitate spinal fusions. This bracket will also include chronic conditions associated with other parts of the anatomy or serious soft tissue injuries to both neck and spine combined.
Moderate £7,410 to £12,900 This bracket applies to moderate soft tissue injuries or those that may have accelerated and/or exacerbated a pre-existing condition.
Back Injury Severe £85,470 to £151,070 In cases of severe back injuries whereby symptoms are not normally found in other cases of back injuries, this amount applies.
Moderate £26,050 to £36,390 A wide variety of injuries are included in this bracket, including cases of compression/crush fracture of the lumbar vertebrae where substantial risk of osteoarthritis is high; traumatic spondylolisthesis with continuous pain; a prolapsed intervertebral disc that requires surgery; or damage to an intervertebral disc with nerve root irritation and thus reduced mobility.
Minor £7,410 to £11,730 In two to five years a full recovery (or at least recovery to nuisance level) takes place. This bracket looks towards injuries with shorter term acceleration and/or exacerbation.
Shoulder Injury Severe £18,020 to £45,070 These injuries are often associated with neck injuries that result in significant disability. For example, serious brachial plexus injuries that cause significant neck and/or arm symptoms.
Serious £11,980 to £18,020 This bracket will include cases of rotator cuff injury with persisting symptoms. For example, a shoulder dislocation and damage to the lower part of the brachial plexus that causes pain in the shoulder, neck, elbow and sensory symptoms in the forearm.
Moderate £7,410 to £11,980 Limited movement and discomfort following a frozen shoulder, symptoms of which will persist for about two years. This bracket also applies to soft tissue injuries with more than minimal symptoms that persist after two years (but are not permanent).

No Win No Fee Claims For A Car Accident In The Netherlands

We offer no win no fee agreements to the majority of our clients. These types of agreements are known to significantly reduce the financial risks associated with conducting a personal injury claim, as there are no upfront costs to begin your case. Your legal representative will use what is known as a ‘success fee’ to settle their legal fees at the end of the case, providing it is successful in securing compensation for the client.

However, if your lawyer is unsuccessful with your claim, then you will not be held accountable for their legal fees. This means you can conduct a claim in the know that you will not have to pay for your personal injury solicitor’s services if they cannot successfully claim compensation on your behalf.

Why Choose Our Car Accident Abroad Claims Team for accident claims in the Netherlands?

If you are unaware of the personal injury claims process, the whole ordeal could seem daunting at first glance. You may be afraid of hidden costs, upfront fees and complicated situations that require legal assistance. Any concerns or questions that you have can be answered by our knowledgeable and experienced advisors and solicitors.

Start A Claim For A Road Accident In Holland or other accident claims in the Netherlands

You can begin your claim quickly and easily today. To connect with an advisor from our friendly team, simply follow one of the communication methods below and a legal expert will assess the validity of your claim for you. With years of expertise and knowledge under their belts, our personal injury lawyers are well versed in various areas of the law.

How to speak to an advisor:

Essential Information For Visitors To The Netherlands Relating To Accident Claims In the Netherlands

Below are details of useful organisations and guides that may be of help to those involved in a car accident in the Netherlands.

British Embassy The Hague

Lange Voorhout 10,
2514 ED The Hague,
Netherlands,
Tel: +31 (0)70 4270 427
Website: The Hague

British Consulate General Amsterdam

Koningslaan 44,
1075 AE Amsterdam,
Netherlands
Tel: +31 (0)70 4270 427
Website: Amsterdam Consulate

Healthcare In The Netherlands
Guidance and advice on healthcare for UK nationals living, moving or visiting the Netherlands.

Pub Or Bar Accident Claims
How to claim compensation for an accident that occurs in a pub or bar.

FAQ About Accident Claims In The Netherlands

To make accident claims in the Netherlands do I need a local lawyer?

When it comes to choosing a lawyer for your accident claims in the Netherlands, we could helpful stop you do not have to use a solicitor that is based in the Netherlands or even local to your home. Because a lot of the claims process could be handled via methods such as email, fax or letter, it doesn’t matter where your solicitor is based in the UK. We would urge you to consider using solicitors that are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority however. It might also be worth checking whether they could take your claim on under a no win no fee agreement. If you’d like us to provide you with a lawyer that could assist with your claim, we’d be only too happy to help.

Is it a legal necessity to use a lawyer to make accident claims in the Netherlands?

You would not necessarily have to legally retain the services of her personal injury solicitor to make accident claims in the Netherlands. However, there are a variety of reasons people choose to work with personal injury solicitors on their claims. They may not want to go through all the legal legwork of putting a strong claim together, and they may not be confident in negotiating the maximum compensation possible for their case. A lawyer, with years of experience could fight for the maximum compensation possible. They would also be able to take all of the legal legwork out of making a claim.

What evidence would I need to make a claim for an accident on holiday in the Netherlands?

If you are seeking to make a claim for an accident on holiday in the Netherlands, you might wonder what evidence you should present with your case. A personal injury solicitor from our team could help to provide you with guidance and support when it comes to evidence gathering. Generally, you would need evidence that the accident happened, that it was not your fault, and that you were injured because of it. Evidence you could present to show this could include:

  • Medical evidence- medical evidence would need to come from an independent third party. While it could be useful to have records of your stay in hospital or when you sought treatment for your injuries, you would also need independent verification of such injuries. During your claim, you would need to go and see an independent medic. They would give you an examination and write a report that contained details of your injuries and how they affect you. The medical report could also include information about your prognosis. All this could significantly impact your compensation amount.
  • Accident evidence- evidence of an accident could include a police report, witness statements, photographs of the scene or even CCTV footage in some cases. If these are not available, it might be a wise idea to sketch out the scene of the accident as you remember it. That way, you will be able to refer to this if you are asked any questions about it later on.
  • Financial impact evidence- many injuries leave people with financial costs and losses. For example, if you need to take some time off work while you are recovering from your injuries, you could lose out on income. You could also incur costs such as travel expenses, care costs and medical expenses, for example. To claim for these, you would need to provide evidence of them.

If you would like to speak to us about what type of evidence could best support your claim, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Our friendly team could help you ascertain what evidence you may already have that could support your claim.

 

Could I claim for someone who was fatally injured in an accident on holiday in the Netherlands?

Sadly, some people do not always recover from their injuries. If you have lost a loved one in an accident on holiday in the Netherlands that was not their fault, you could claim compensation. While compensation would never make up for the loss of your loved one, it could help to ease the financial burden close by their death. This could mean you could get help towards funeral expenses, and you could also receive a bereavement award in some cases. If you would like to make a claim for the loss of someone you loved in an accident on holiday in the Netherlands, we would be happy to help you. We could handle your case with the sensitivity and care it deserves.

Thank you for reading our guide to accident claims in the Netherlands. Whether you’re looking for assistance with claims for a back injury or other accident at works claims for pain and suffering, or want to make a Netherlands holiday accident claims for an accident on holiday in The Netherlands, we could help you claim under dutch law you could start your claim online with us.