Driving Off After an Accident in Delft: Criminal Liability
In Delft, driving off after a traffic accident, better known as 'hit-and-run', is a serious criminal offense. This occurs when a driver leaves the scene after a collision without identifying themselves or offering assistance. For Delft residents, this can lead to prosecution at the District Court of The Hague, with fines or even imprisonment. This article highlights the legal rules, local enforcement, and consequences, specifically for residents of Delft.
What Does Driving Off After an Accident in Delft Mean?
Driving off after an accident refers to the situation where a road user in Delft, such as on the busy Market or near TU Delft, drives away after a collision without alerting the police or providing assistance. This not only frustrates damage claims processing but is also punishable because it can worsen injuries. Especially in a cycling city like Delft, this often leads to more complex injury claims.
The degree of criminal liability varies depending on severity, culpability, and damage. Even minor parking damage on Municipality of Delft property triggers the duty to stop. This article explores the criminal law aspects, as a follow-up to our overview on Driving Off After an Accident.
Legal Basis
Driving off falls under the Road Traffic Act 1994 (WVW), specifically article 7 WVW. This requires drivers who cause an accident through fault to stop and identify themselves. Failure to comply can result in prosecution at the District Court of The Hague, which handles Delft cases.
Article 10 WVW governs general duties, such as exchanging details. In cases of injury, the Criminal Code (Sr) may apply, including article 121 Sr (failure to assist those in peril) or article 450 Sr (causing serious bodily injury by negligence). 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 in areas like Delft have increased.
Conditions for Prosecution in Delft
Criminal liability requires:
- Involvement: You caused or were involved in the incident, for example on Phoenixstraat.
- Culpability: Carelessness under article 5 WVW.
- Driving away: No stop, no details exchanged, no assistance provided.
- Damage or danger: Injury or property damage to others.
The Public Prosecutor's Office then initiates proceedings, often via the District Court of The Hague. Minor cases typically result in a fine; serious ones proceed to trial.
Examples from Delft Practice
Example: A car strikes a cyclist on Rotterdamseweg, who falls without serious injury. The driver flees fearing penalties. Punishable under article 7 WVW: fine €400-€900 and driving ban. The victim claims through insurance.
More serious: A truck collides on the A13 near Delft, causes injury, and drives off. This can lead to up to 3 years' imprisonment and injury claims. Footage from Municipality of Delft cameras is often decisive.
Parking damage near the Market: Punishable, but usually a CJIB fine.
Duties and Rights in Delft
Duties of the driver:
- Stop and park safely.
- Provide assistance: call 112 if injured.
- Exchange details: name, license plate, insurance.
- Call police if injury or dispute.
- Avoid moving vehicles except for safety.
Rights of the victim: Compensation via liability insurance. Contact Legal Aid Office Delft for free advice or claim support. Access to police files and complaints to the Public Prosecutor's Office are possible.
Drivers may exercise the right to silence (article 29 Sv), but cooperation can reduce penalties.
Overview of Sanctions
| Severity of Accident | Sanction | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Minor damage, no injury | Fine €400-€900 | Art. 7 WVW |
| Damage with injury | Fine + driving ban | Art. 7 + 10 WVW |
| Serious injury | Imprisonment up to 3 years | Art. 450 Sr |
Consult Legal Aid Office Delft for personalized advice on your situation in Delft.
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.