Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Westland: Criminal Liability
In Westland, leaving the scene of a traffic accident, better known as 'hit-and-run', is a serious criminal offense. This occurs when a driver drives away after a collision without identifying themselves or providing assistance. In this horticultural area with heavy traffic on roads like the N213, this can lead to prosecution at the Rechtbank Westland, fines, and even imprisonment. We highlight the legal rules, local enforcement, and consequences for residents.
What Does Leaving the Scene of an Accident in Westland Mean?
Leaving the scene of an accident describes a driver driving away after a collision without calling the police or helping victims. In Westland, where trucks and cyclists often collide near greenhouses in Naaldwijk or 's-Gravenzande, this hinders prompt assistance and damage settlement. In case of injury, it can cause more serious injuries, aggravating the penalty.
Criminal liability depends on the severity, culpability, and damage. Even for minor parking damage on a square in Poeldijk, the duty to stop applies. This article focuses on criminal law, as a follow-up to our overview on Leaving the Scene of an Accident.
Legal Basis
Leaving the scene falls under the Wegenverkeerswet 1994 (WVW), specifically Article 7 WVW. A culpable driver who causes danger or damage and then leaves without assistance is punishable. Article 10 WVW requires stopping and exchanging details.
In cases of injury, provisions from the Wetboek van Strafrecht (Sr) such as Article 121 Sr (failure to assist those in need) or Article 450 Sr (causing serious bodily injury through negligence) come into play. The Supreme Court ruled in Judgment of 15 December 2015 (ECLI:NL:HR:2015:2991) that negligence suffices. Since the Administrative Fine for Traffic Rules Act (2020), fines are higher, strictly enforced by the Municipality of Westland and police.
Conditions for Prosecution
Criminal liability requires:
- Involvement: The driver caused or was involved in the incident, such as a collision on the Westlandseweg.
- Culpability: Carelessness under Article 5 WVW.
- Driving away: No stop, no details, no assistance.
- Damage or danger: Injury, death, or material damage to vehicles or property.
The Public Prosecutor's Office initiates a case at the Rechtbank Westland in cumulative cases. Minor cases end with a fine via CJIB; serious ones with trial.
Westland Practice Examples
Example: A car hits a cyclist at an intersection in Monster, cyclist falls without serious injury. The car drives off fearing costs. Punishable under Article 7 WVW: fine €400-€900 and driving ban via Rechtbank Westland.
More serious: A truck collides on the N213 near Kwintsheul, causes injury and drives off. Aggravated injury leads to max. 3 years imprisonment, plus injury claim. Camera footage from Westland is often decisive.
Parking damage in Wateringen: Punishable, but usually transaction fine.
Duties and Rights in Westland
Duties of the driver:
- Stop and park safely.
- Provide assistance: call 112 in case of injury.
- Exchange details: name, address, license plate, insurance.
- Involve police in case of injury or dispute.
- Do not move, except for safety.
Victim rights: Compensation via liability insurance. In case of leaving the scene: claim via Het Juridisch Loket Westland or lawyer. Access to police investigation and complaint to OM possible. Drivers may remain silent (Article 29 Sv), but cooperation reduces penalty.
Overview of Sanctions
| Severity of accident | Sanction | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Minor damage, no injury | Fine €400-€900 | Art. 7 WVW |
| Damage with injury | Fine or criminal penalty, driving disqualification | Art. 7/10 WVW, Sr |
| Serious injury/death | Imprisonment up to 3 years | Art. 450 Sr |
Consult Het Juridisch Loket Westland for free advice on your situation.
Veelgestelde vragen
Wat is mijn retourrecht?
Bij online aankopen heb je 14 dagen retourrecht zonder opgaaf van reden, tenzij de wettelijke uitzonderingen gelden.
Hoe lang geldt de wettelijke garantie?
Goederen moeten minimaal 2 jaar meewerken. Defecten die binnen 6 maanden ontstaan worden verondersteld al aanwezig te zijn.
Kan ik rente eisen over schulden?
Ja, je kunt wettelijke rente eisen (momenteel ongeveer 8% per jaar) over het openstaande bedrag.
Wat kan ik doen tegen oneerlijke handelspraktijken?
Je kunt klacht indienen bij de consumentenbond, de overheid of naar de rechter gaan.
Wat is een kredietovereenkomst?
Een kredietovereenkomst regelt hoe je geld leent, wat de rente is, en hoe je dit terugbetaalt.