After a single-vehicle accident resulting in personal injury, many victims assume they are not entitled to compensation. After all, there is no other driver or opposing party. Yet this is a persistent misconception. Even after a single-vehicle accident, there may very well be a right to compensation for personal injury.
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Written by Onur Arslan, attorney at Arslan Advocaten. Registered in the specialisation register of the Netherlands Bar for employment law and personal injury. Last updated: 17 September 2026.
In this article, we explain in detail what a single-vehicle accident is, what options exist for obtaining compensation and why many lawyers give up on precisely these cases, whereas we press on.
What is a single-vehicle accident?
A single-vehicle accident is one in which only one road user is involved. There is no direct collision with another vehicle.
Examples include:
- running off the road in a car;
- hitting a tree or post;
- skidding on a scooter or bicycle;
- an accident caused by a poor road surface;
- having to swerve suddenly;
- falling because of an obstacle on the road.
Why do many people think compensation is not possible?
In a single-vehicle accident, there is often no obvious liable opposing party. This quickly gives rise to the idea that the accident was “your own fault” and that you therefore have no claim whatsoever.
Insurers regularly reinforce this impression. From a legal point of view, however, it is far from always correct.
Single-vehicle accidents, personal injury and liability
After a single-vehicle accident causing personal injury, it must be investigated whether there is a liable party after all. This may be the case, for example, with:
- a poorly maintained road surface;
- inadequate warnings;
- loose materials;
- defective traffic facilities;
- a hazard suddenly created by third parties.
In such cases, liability may be based on the creation of a hazardous situation or a breach of the duty of care.
Single-vehicle accidents caused by a hazardous situation
Was the accident caused by a dangerous situation, such as an open manhole or an unexpected obstacle? In that case, the party that created that situation or allowed it to continue may be liable.
In such cases, the criteria from the Kelderluik (cellar hatch) judgment are often applied.
SVI insurance after a single-vehicle accident
Even where no liable third party can be identified, SVI insurance (Schadeverzekering Inzittenden, the Dutch vehicle occupants’ insurance) may offer a solution.
SVI insurance pays out for personal injury suffered by the driver and passengers, regardless of who was at fault. In single-vehicle accidents in particular, this is often the most important route.
You can read more about this on our page SVI cover for personal injury.
Accident insurance and other policies
In addition to SVI insurance, other insurance policies may also play a role, such as:
- accident insurance;
- disability insurance;
- collective employer insurance;
- supplementary occupants’ insurance.
Which insurance pays out depends on the policy conditions and the circumstances of the accident.
What injuries are common in single-vehicle accidents?
In single-vehicle accidents, we regularly see serious injuries, such as:
- fractures;
- head and brain injuries;
- neck and back complaints;
- whiplash;
- permanent impairments;
- psychological complaints.
What damage can you claim?
A single-vehicle accident, too, can result in considerable damage.
Pecuniary damage
- medical costs;
- rehabilitation costs;
- travel expenses;
- costs of domestic help;
- aids and adaptations.
Loss of income
Are you unable to work because of your injury? This may result in a loss of income. Loss of earning capacity can also be claimed.
Non-pecuniary damage
In addition, you are often entitled to compensation for pain and suffering (smartengeld). You can read more about this on our page non-pecuniary damage.
Insurers and single-vehicle accidents
Insurers regularly reject claims arising from single-vehicle accidents quickly, arguing that the victim was entirely at fault.
In our experience, however, these rejections are often legally too simplistic.
Where other lawyers give up
Many firms label single-vehicle accidents as “difficult” or “unlikely to succeed”, especially when no obviously liable party is in sight.
At Arslan Advocaten, that is precisely our starting point.
Out of court where possible
We first explore every possible out-of-court route, such as claiming under insurance policies or substantiating liability based on the creation of a hazardous situation.
Litigation where necessary
If that does not produce results, we do not shy away from legal proceedings. Among other things, we litigate through:
- partial dispute proceedings (deelgeschilprocedures);
- proceedings on the merits;
- provisional expert reports;
- witness examinations.
It is precisely this willingness to litigate that often makes the difference in single-vehicle accident cases.
Medical causation in single-vehicle accidents
In single-vehicle accidents, the causal link between the accident and the complaints is often disputed. Here too, we are not deterred.
You can read more about this on our page medical causation in personal injury cases.
Evidence in single-vehicle accident injury cases
Evidence is crucial. Consider:
- photographs of the accident location;
- witness statements;
- police records;
- medical documentation;
- expert reports.
We actively help clients gather and use this evidence.
In single-vehicle accidents, policy conditions and industry practices also play a role, as described by the Dutch Association of Insurers (Verbond van Verzekeraars) and expert organisations such as NIVRE.
Will legal assistance cost me money?
In personal injury cases, the costs of legal assistance can often be recovered from the insurer. In many cases, this also applies to legal proceedings.
Why choose Arslan Advocaten?
We combine in-depth knowledge of personal injury law with extensive experience in insurance law. In complex cases such as personal injury from a single-vehicle accident, that combination is decisive.
Where other lawyers give up, we carry on. Out of court where possible. Through the courts where necessary.
Have you been injured in a single-vehicle accident and are you unsure about your rights? Feel free to contact us for a substantive assessment.
Read also
- Which insurance policies pay out for personal injury?
- Personal injury as a cyclist: how to claim compensation after a bicycle accident
- Code of Conduct for Personal Injury Claims (GBL): what are your rights as a victim?
Frequently asked questions
Are you entitled to compensation after a single-vehicle accident?
Yes, even after a single-vehicle accident you may be entitled to compensation, particularly if a hazardous situation was created or a duty of care was breached. It is therefore important to have the situation properly assessed by a lawyer.
When can someone be held liable after a single-vehicle accident?
Liability may arise if the accident was caused by a dangerous situation, such as a poor road surface or obstacles, for which someone else is responsible. This is often based on the creation of a hazardous situation or a breach of the duty of care.
What is the role of SVI insurance in single-vehicle accidents?
SVI insurance pays out for personal injury suffered by the driver and passengers, regardless of who is at fault. It is often the most important insurance for victims of a single-vehicle accident.
Which other insurance policies can help with personal injury after a single-vehicle accident?
In addition to SVI insurance, accident insurance, disability insurance and collective employer insurance may also pay out, depending on the policy conditions and the circumstances.
