Direct Action Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance in Leiden: Rights After Car Accidents
Were you involved in a traffic accident in Leiden or the surrounding area? As a victim, you can claim your **motor vehicle liability insurance** (Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheid Motorrijtuigen) directly via **direct action**. You do not need to first approach the other party's insurer. Discover how this works in the Leiden region, with help from local institutions such as the District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location and the Leiden Legal Aid Office.
What Does Direct Action Entail for Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance?
Direct action allows victims to immediately approach their own **motor vehicle liability insurer** for compensation for personal injury or property damage. Your insurer advances the payment and subsequently recovers the costs from the liable party. This accelerates the settlement, especially with unknown or elusive counterparties in the Leiden region.
Regulated in the **Motor Vehicle Insurance Act (WMV)**, ideal for complex cases around Leiden University or in the city center.
Legal Basis
Key articles:
- Articles 6:167 and 6:200 **Civil Code (BW)** – Liability for motor vehicles.
- **Motor Vehicle Insurance Act (WMV)** – Insurers' obligations.
For Whom in Leiden?
Suitable for:
- Drivers and passengers with injuries or car damage.
- Cyclists and pedestrians hit in Leiden-Centre.
- Victims of hit-and-run incidents on the N206.
Step-by-Step Plan for Direct Action in Leiden
Follow these steps for a claim:
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Report Immediately:
- Call the police in case of injury or significant damage in Leiden.
- Complete a European Accident Statement with the other party.
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Contact Your Insurer:
- Report within 7 days and request direct action.
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Gather Evidence:
- Photos of the Leiden location and vehicles.
- Witnesses and police report.
- Invoices from repair garage in Leiden.
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Submit Claim:
- Use your insurer's form.
- Specify pain and suffering compensation or material damage.
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Follow Up:
- Compensation follows; insurer handles recovery.
- In case of refusal: Leiden Legal Aid Office, Stationsweg 46 (free advice).
Important Deadlines
- 7 days: Report to insurer.
- 3 years: Limitation period (art. 3:310 BW).
Help in Leiden
- District Court of The Hague, Leiden Location: For proceedings (Stationsweg 46).
- Leiden Legal Aid Office: Free intake, Stationsweg 46, tel. 0900-8020.