Fleeing the Scene of an Accident in Rotterdam: Criminal Liability
In Rotterdam, with its busy port traffic and vibrant city centers, fleeing the scene after an accident – better known as 'hit-and-run' – is a serious criminal offense. Drivers who drive away after a collision without identifying themselves or offering assistance risk prosecution by the Public Prosecution Service, hefty fines, and even imprisonment. This article highlights the legal rules, local enforcement, and consequences, specifically for Rotterdam residents.
What Does Fleeing the Scene of an Accident Mean in Rotterdam?
Fleeing after a collision means that a road user in the Maasstad flees after an incident without alerting the police or helping victims. This not only undermines emergency services but also worsens personal injuries, for example to cyclists on the Erasmusbrug. Even minor damage on the Westersingel triggers the duty to stop, and violation leads to criminal proceedings at the Rotterdam District Court.
Criminal liability weighs factors such as accident severity, culpability, and damage. This article focuses on the criminal law angle, as a follow-up to our overview on fleeing the scene of an accident.
Legal Basis
The foundation is in the Road Traffic Act 1994 (WVW), specifically Article 7 WVW: a culpable driver who flees after causing damage or danger without identifiable action is punishable. Article 10 WVW requires stopping and exchanging details. In cases of injury, Criminal Code (Sr) provisions apply, such as Article 121 Sr (failure to assist those in peril) or Article 450 Sr (culpable offense causing death or injury).
The Supreme Court ruled in Judgment of 15 December 2015 (ECLI:NL:HR:2015:2991) that negligence is sufficient. In Rotterdam, the Municipality of Rotterdam has strengthened enforcement via the Administrative Fines for Traffic Rules Act (2020), with elevated sanctions in the region.
Conditions for Prosecution in Rotterdam
Criminal liability requires:
- Involvement: You caused or were party to the incident, such as a collision in the port.
- Culpability: Carelessness under Article 5 WVW.
- Fleeing: No stop, no assistance, no details exchanged.
- Damage/Danger: Injury or material harm, such as a damaged scooter on the Kralingseweg.
In cases of multiple violations, the Public Prosecution Service initiates proceedings; minor cases end with a CJIB fine, serious ones at the Rotterdam District Court.
Rotterdam Practice Examples
A car grazes a cyclist on the Coolsingel; the cyclist sustains minor injuries. The driver flees fearing sanctions: punishable under Art. 7 WVW, fine €400-€900 plus driving ban. Victims claim via liability insurance.
More serious: A truck collides on the A20 near Rotterdam, causes injury, and drives off. Worsened injury leads to up to 3 years' imprisonment. Regional camera footage and witnesses are crucial in cases at the Rotterdam District Court.
Parking damage in a Rotterdam garage? Still punishable, often settled with a transaction fine.
Duties and Rights in Rotterdam
Driver's duties:
- Stop and park safely.
- Provide assistance: call 112 for an ambulance.
- Exchange details: license plate, insurance.
- Alert police in case of injury or dispute.
- Do not move vehicles, except for safety reasons.
Victim rights: Compensation via the at-fault party's liability insurance, or through Victim Support. Consult Juridisch Loket Rotterdam for free advice, access to police files, or complaints to the Public Prosecution Service. Drivers may remain silent (Art. 29 Sv), but cooperation can mitigate penalties.
Overview of Sanctions
| Severity of Accident | Possible Sanction | Legal Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Minor damage, no injury | Fine €400-€900, driving disqualification | Art. 7 WVW |
| Damage with injury | Up to 6 months imprisonment, fine | Art. 121/450 Sr |
| Serious injury/death | Max. 3-8 years imprisonment | Art. 450 Sr |
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.