If you are involved in a traffic accident in Westland, you are obliged to stop and share your details. Failing to stop is considered a serious offence and can lead to severe penalties, especially in cases of injury or damage.
Legal Obligations
According to Article 7 of the Road Traffic Act, drivers must take specific steps after an accident to comply with their duty.
What Must You Do?
- Stop immediately in a safe place
- Share your name and address with those involved
- Provide driving licence and vehicle registration details upon request
- Offer assistance to injured persons
Penalty for Failing to Stop
The severity of the penalty for failing to stop after an accident depends on the seriousness of the situation and the consequences.
Maximum Penalties
| Circumstance | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Material damage only | 2 months' detention |
| In case of injury or death | 3 years' imprisonment |
| With additional offences | Higher penalty possible |
Involvement in an Accident
Even if you are not the cause of the accident, you are obliged to stop if you are involved.
When Are You Involved?
- You (partly) caused the accident
- Your vehicle was hit during the incident
- Your behaviour influenced the accident
Problems with Evidence
Failing to stop can lead to complications in establishing who the driver was during the accident.
Responsibility of the Registered Keeper
The vehicle owner may be compelled to disclose the identity of the driver. Refusing to do so is punishable.
Connection with Other Offences
Failing to stop is often combined with other criminal offences, which can aggravate the case.
Common Combinations
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Driving without a valid driving licence
- Risky or reckless driving behaviour
- Use of a stolen vehicle
Advice After an Accident
- Always stop, even in case of minimal damage
- Share your details with the other party
- Document the situation with photos
- Report it to the police if the other party fails to stop
Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Accidents
What should I do if I am involved in an accident?
Stop immediately and pull your car safely to the side. Offer assistance to the injured, exchange details such as name, address and vehicle registration, and call 112 in serious situations. Take photos of the damage and file a report if the other party refuses to cooperate or fails to stop.
What are the consequences of failing to stop after an accident?
Failing to stop is punishable. In cases of damage to property only, you risk up to 2 months' detention. In cases of injury or death, this can rise to 3 years' imprisonment. Additional offences, such as driving under the influence, can increase the penalty.
Am I obliged to stop if I am not at fault?
Yes, you must stop if you are involved in an accident, regardless of whether you caused it. This also applies if your car was hit or your actions had an influence. Failing to stop can lead to criminal prosecution.
What if I do not want to share my details after an accident?
Failing to share details is punishable and can be regarded as failing to stop. You may receive a fine or prison sentence. The police can compel you to provide details, and as the registered keeper, you may be prosecuted if you do not identify the driver.
How do I prove that I did not fail to stop?
Gather witness statements from bystanders, take photos or videos of the situation, and keep dashcam footage. An alibi, such as a receipt or witness, can also help. Always report the incident to the police.
Relevant Authorities in Westland: For legal assistance, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Westland. Cases are often handled by the District Court of The Hague (district).