Compensation for Damage in a Single-Vehicle Accident in Zoetermeer

Compensation for Damage in a Single-Vehicle Accident in Zoetermeer

A single-vehicle accident involves a traffic accident with only your vehicle in Zoetermeer, without fault of others. Compensation covers injury, material and immaterial costs. Without a third party, this is challenging, but possible through your insurance or local arrangements. This article discusses legal options and steps for residents of Zoetermeer.

What is a single-vehicle accident and what compensations apply?

In a single-vehicle accident in Zoetermeer, your car, bicycle or motorcycle gets damaged due to slippery roads, a collision with a pole or a pothole. No other party is at fault, so claims against third parties often fail. Personal injury includes physical and mental harm such as whiplash or anxiety disorders. Material damage covers repairs, medical costs and loss of income; immaterial damage compensates for pain and suffering.

Unlike accidents involving others, you rely on your own policies. Police statistics show thousands of single-vehicle accidents annually in areas like Zoetermeer, with injuries in about 20% of cases. Read more in our article about Personal Injury in Single-Vehicle Accidents.

Legal Basis for Compensation in Zoetermeer

Compensation for a single-vehicle accident falls under the Civil Code (CC), particularly Article 6:162 CC for unlawful acts. Without a liable party, this applies only to a limited extent. Liability insurance (WA) does not cover your own damage, as stipulated in the Motor Vehicle Liability Act (WAM). Additional coverages are essential.

For road defects such as potholes on Zoetermeer roads, you can claim against the Municipality of Zoetermeer under Article 6:174 CC (strict liability). Medical costs fall under the Health Insurance Act (HIA), but the deductible (€385 in 2023) and additional therapy must be paid by you or claimed separately. Pain and suffering awards are based on the Pain and Suffering Guide, ranging from €500 to €50,000.

Without a comprehensive policy, there is no coverage for material damage. For uncovered personal injury: Motor Traffic Guarantee Fund Foundation (SWMF), limited to third-party claims.

Overview of Compensations and How They Work

After a single-vehicle accident in Zoetermeer, you can claim three types of damage, depending on your policy and circumstances:

• Material damage: Repairs, rental car and medical care. Via comprehensive or legal expenses insurance.
• Immaterial damage: Pain and suffering compensation for distress. Via a personal injury lawyer, provided there is a causal link.
• Loss of income: Missed wages or disability benefits. First two years under HIA, thereafter WIA.

Insurance comparison:

Examples of Claims in Zoetermeer

Example: You skid on rain in Zoetermeer and hit a pole, suffering whiplash and two weeks off work. Without comprehensive coverage, liability insurance pays nothing for €2,000 in car damage. Physiotherapy (€500) is partly covered by your health insurer; €1,500 in pain and suffering via a lawyer (Article 6:106 CC in case of work-related accident).

Bicycle fall due to a loose tile on a Municipality of Zoetermeer road: Claim €3,000 hospital costs, €800 bike and €2,500 pain and suffering (Article 6:174 CC). Proof is crucial (photos, witnesses). The Zoetermeer District Court awarded €10,000 in 2022, including loss of income.

Motorcyclists: Fall on a gravel road without fault, compensation via own policy or ANWB.

Rights and Obligations for Residents of Zoetermeer

Rights:

1. Access to healthcare via HIA.
2. Compensation from a liable party (e.g., Municipality of Zoetermeer).
3. Free advice from Het Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer or your insurer.
4. No costs for personal injury lawyers (Settlement Modification Act).

Obligations:

• Report to police and request the police report.
• Document damage with photos and invoices.