After a traffic accident, you are obliged to stop and provide assistance. Driving off after an accident is punishable and can have serious consequences, especially if there are injuries.
Obligations after an accident
Article 7 of the Road Traffic Act obliges those involved in an accident to:
- Stop
- Provide assistance to the injured
- Make identification possible (name, address, license plate)
- Warn the police if necessary
Criminal liability
Anyone who drives off after an accident without complying with these obligations is liable to punishment. The penalty depends on the consequences:
- In case of material damage only: maximum 2 months imprisonment
- In case of injuries: maximum 3 months imprisonment
- In case of death or serious injury: up to 4 years imprisonment if you partly caused the accident
Combination with other offences
Leaving the scene often occurs together with other criminal offences:
- Death or serious injury through fault (article 6 RTA)
- Driving under the influence
- Driving without a driving licence
The combination leads to higher penalties.
Detection
The police track down hit-and-run drivers via:
- Witness statements
- Camera footage
- Paint traces and vehicle damage
- Wanted notices
Insurance
Leaving the scene after an accident can have consequences for your insurance. The insurer may refuse payout or claim the damage from you.
Reporting afterwards
If you drove off in panic, report to the police as soon as possible. This can be mitigating for the sentence.
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## Frequently asked questions
What should I do after a traffic accident in Delft?
After a traffic accident in Delft, you are obliged to stop, provide assistance to the injured, make your identity known and warn the police if necessary. This is laid down in article 7 of the Road Traffic Act. Leaving the scene after an accident is punishable and can have serious consequences.
What are the penalties for leaving the scene after an accident in Delft?
The penalties for leaving the scene after an accident in Delft vary depending on the consequences. In case of material damage only, the penalty can amount to 2 months imprisonment, in case of injuries to 3 months imprisonment, and in case of death or serious injury to 4 years imprisonment if you partly caused the accident.
Can leaving the scene after an accident in Delft affect my insurance?
Yes, leaving the scene after an accident can have consequences for your insurance. In Delft, your insurer may refuse the payout or claim the damage from you if you have not complied with your obligations.
What should I do if I drove off in panic after an accident in Delft?
If you drove off in panic after an accident in Delft, report to the police as soon as possible. This can be mitigating for the sentence and helps in handling the accident.
How does the police in Delft track down hit-and-run drivers after a traffic accident?
The police in Delft track down hit-and-run drivers via witness statements, camera footage, paint traces and vehicle damage, and wanted notices. This helps in identifying and prosecuting the perpetrator of the accident.
What happens if leaving the scene after an accident in Delft is accompanied by other criminal offences?
If leaving the scene after an accident in Delft is accompanied by other criminal offences such as death or serious injury through fault, driving under the influence or driving without a driving licence, this leads to higher penalties. The combination of these offences is punished more severely.
What are my obligations after a traffic accident in Delft according to the Road Traffic Act?
According to article 7 of the Road Traffic Act, after a traffic accident in Delft you are obliged to stop, provide assistance to the injured, make your identity known and warn the police if necessary. Failure to comply with these obligations is punishable.
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## Frequently asked questions
**What exactly should I do if I am involved in a traffic accident in the Netherlands?**
Stop immediately in a safe place, turn on your hazard lights and ensure your own safety. Help the injured and call 112 if medical assistance is needed. Exchange your name, address, license plate number and insurance details with the other parties involved. Report the accident to the police if there are injuries, damage to public facilities or if the parties cannot agree. Optionally take photos of the situation for insurance purposes.
**What are the consequences if I accidentally leave the scene after an accident?**
Leaving the scene after an accident is punishable, even if it happens accidentally. You risk a fine or a prison sentence of up to 4 years, depending on the severity of the accident. In addition, your insurer may not compensate the damage or refuse the payout. If you report yourself to the police afterwards, this can be mitigating for the sentence. It is therefore always better to stop immediately and comply with your obligations.
**How quickly must I report an accident to my insurance?**
You must report a traffic accident to your insurance as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours. This also applies if you think you are not at fault. Many insurers have a reporting obligation and failure to report in time may lead to refusal of the damage payout. Keep all evidence, such as photos and witness statements, to support your case.
**What happens if I am not at fault but still leave the scene?**
Even if you are not at fault, you are obliged to stop and make your identity known. Leaving the scene is punishable, regardless of who caused the accident. The police can still prosecute you for leaving the scene of the accident. Moreover, your insurer may cause problems