Vacations are wonderful. A break from the everyday routine is always refreshing. One of the most popular countries for a vacation is the Netherlands, particularly Amsterdam. The canals, windmills, and tulips are especially attractive to tourists.
However, a question that not many people ask is: What should you do in case of an accident abroad? After all, things can go wrong even on holiday. For instance, you might be rear-ended while driving on a trip, or perhaps you rent a bike to explore Amsterdam and are struck by a car.
So, what should you do if you have an accident in Amsterdam? What can a personal injury lawyer in Amsterdam (Dutch: letselschade advocaat Amsterdam) do for you after a bike or car accident, and what are the costs of hiring one?
An Accident in the Netherlands: Who is at Fault?
The key question for obtaining compensation is, of course, who is at fault after an accident in Amsterdam. The answer can be found in various legal provisions, one of the most commonly used being Article 5 of the Road Traffic Act. This article states:
“It is prohibited for anyone to behave in such a manner that causes or may cause danger on the road, or that hinders or may hinder traffic on the road.”
Based on this article, the person who commits a traffic offense is at fault and liable. For example, if someone fails to give you the right of way while you’re cycling, or if they’re driving too fast, leading to a collision.
Another important legal provision in determining fault in an accident is Article 19 of the Traffic Rules and Road Signs Regulation. This rule states that drivers must maintain a sufficient distance. If they do not and end up rear-ending someone, the driver at fault is liable for the victim’s personal injury.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer in the Netherlands Do?
If you are involved in an accident in the Netherlands, you can of course claim compensation yourself. However, as a tourist, you might not be familiar with the law or know how to file a personal injury claim. This is where a personal injury lawyer can help.
If you hire a personal injury lawyer in the Netherlands, the main question is: What can they do for you? In other words, what services does a personal injury lawyer in the Netherlands provide?
A personal injury lawyer will handle everything for you, from determining who is liable to negotiating with the insurance company over the compensation amount. This means you have very little to do yourself. If you have an accident in Amsterdam, you can leave the entire personal injury claim process to a personal injury lawyer in Amsterdam.
What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer in Amsterdam Cost?
The Netherlands has a unique system when it comes to the costs of hiring a personal injury lawyer. According to Dutch law, the costs of a personal injury lawyer are covered by the compensation. This means that, as a tourist in the Netherlands, you can hire a personal injury lawyer (Dutch: letselschade advocaat) at no cost to you.
We sincerely hope you have a pleasant vacation in the Netherlands. However, should you experience an accident, you now know what to do and what your rights are.
