Direct Action Motor Vehicle Liability Insurance in Utrecht: rights after traffic accident
In the Utrecht region, as a victim of a car accident, you can often directly invoke your **motor vehicle liability insurance** (Wettelijke Aansprakelijkheid Motorrijtuigen) via **direct action**. You do not need to first approach the insurer of the other party. Discover here the process, step-by-step plan and your options at the Midden-Nederland District Court (Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1, Utrecht).
What does direct action entail for motor vehicle liability insurance?
Direct action enables you as a victim in Utrecht to directly claim your own **motor vehicle liability insurance**. Instead of waiting for the culpable driver, your insurer handles the compensation and recovers it. This accelerates assistance, ideal for unknown or elusive counterparties.
Regulated in the **Motor Vehicle Insurance Act (WMV)** for efficient victim assistance in regions such as Utrecht.
Legal basis
Based on:
- Article 6:167 **Civil Code (BW)** – Basic liability rules.
- Article 6:200 **BW** – Motor vehicle specific.
- **Motor Vehicle Insurance Act (WMV)** – Motor vehicle liability insurance provisions.
For whom in Utrecht?
Applies to:
- Drivers and passengers with injury or car damage.
- Cyclists, pedestrians or others hit by a car in Utrecht.
Step-by-step plan for direct action in Utrecht
Follow these steps for your claim:
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Report the accident:
- Call the police in case of injury or damage in Utrecht.
- Fill out the damage form.
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Contact motor vehicle liability insurer:
- Report within 7 days and request direct action.
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Provide evidence:
- Photos, witnesses, police or medical reports.
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Submit claim:
- Fill out damage form with repair or pain and suffering compensation.
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Await compensation:
- Your insurer pays; recovery follows.
Important deadlines
- 7 days: Direct reporting to insurer.
- 3 years: Claim deadline (art. 3:310 BW).
Help in Utrecht
In case of problems: contact the Midden-Nederland District Court (Vrouwe Justitiaplein 1) or Legal Aid Office Utrecht (Catharijnesingel 55) for personal assistance.