Have you been hit by a car, scooter, bicycle or other vehicle? Then your life often briefly stands still. Besides pain and shock, questions immediately arise: Who is liable? Am I entitled to compensation? What should I do now?
In this article we clearly and step by step explain what your rights are if you have been hit and why it is important to quickly seek legal advice.

What does “hit” mean legally?

You are legally considered to have been hit when you are a:

• pedestrian

• cyclist

• scooter rider

• motorist

• passenger

suffer injury from a collision with (usually) a motorized vehicle. In many cases there is a right to compensation, even if you are not sure who is at fault.

Hit as a pedestrian or cyclist: extra protection

Were you hit as a pedestrian or cyclist? Then the law offers extra protection.

• In a collision with a motor vehicle, the driver is almost always (partly) liable

• Even if you made a mistake yourself, you may still be entitled to compensation

• For children under 14, full liability almost always applies

👉 This is something insurers often don’t tell you proactively.

What if the other party says that you are at fault?

Many victims hear:

• “You crossed unexpectedly”

• “You should have paid better attention”

• “You are partly at fault yourself”

Even with shared fault you may still be entitled to (a large part of) the compensation. Therefore, fault means not automatically: no right.

What damages can you be compensated for after a collision?

If you have been hit, your damages may consist of multiple components.

1. Medical expenses

• deductible

• physiotherapy

• medication

• future healthcare costs

2. Income loss

• lost salary

• reduced capacity to work

• loss of earning capacity (also for the self-employed)

3. Other costs

• travel expenses

• household help

• informal care by family

• modifications in the home or car

4. Pain and suffering

Compensation for:

• pain

• sorrow

• fear

• loss of enjoyment of life

What should you do immediately if you have been hit?

After a collision, it is important to act quickly and carefully:

1. Seek medical help, even if symptoms are mild

2. Record details of the other party and witnesses

3. Take photos of the situation and the injury

4. Report the accident as soon as possible

5. Do not make any final decisions to the insurer

⚠️ Don’t agree to a settlement too quickly. This can have major consequences for your future.

Insurer calling? Be cautious

Insurers often contact you quickly and sometimes make a “nice offer”. This seems helpful, but:

• future losses are often underestimated

• medical consequences are still uncertain

• a settlement agreement is usually final

Once signed, a settlement can almost never be undone.

Why hire a personal injury lawyer?

After a collision, you are up against a professional insurer. A personal injury lawyer:

• establishes liability

• calculates all losses (now and in the future)

• arranges advance payments

• conducts negotiations

• prevents pressure and mistakes

👉 The costs of legal assistance in personal injury cases are recovered from the liable party. For you, the assistance is therefore free of charge.

When should you seek help?

Preferably:

• immediately after the collision

• as soon as you are injured

• as soon as an insurer contacts you

Waiting can lead to loss of evidence and lower compensation.

Conclusion: hit in a collision – what now?

If you have been hit, the following applies:
✔ you often have a right to compensation
✔ also with (shared) fault
✔ also with seemingly “minor” injuries
✔ legal assistance prevents underestimation

Are you unsure? Then that alone is reason enough to have your situation assessed.