Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Hasselt

About Truck Accident Law in Hasselt, Belgium

Truck accidents in Hasselt are handled under Belgian traffic and civil liability rules. Every motor vehicle on Belgian roads must have motor liability insurance, and injured persons can usually claim directly from the insurer of the vehicle that caused the damage. When a truck is involved, cases can be more complex because of the size and weight of the vehicle, the presence of an employer or transport company, professional driving rules, tachograph data, and cross-border issues if the carrier is foreign. The Police Court commonly deals with traffic accidents and related civil claims, and settlements with insurers are frequent when evidence is preserved and injuries are well documented.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

You may need a lawyer if liability is disputed, if multiple vehicles are involved, or if there are serious injuries such as fractures, head trauma, or long-term incapacity. A lawyer can secure and interpret key evidence like tachograph records, GPS data, dashcam footage, cargo documentation, and the police report. Legal help is also important when the other party is uninsured or unknown, when the truck belongs to a foreign company, when a road authority or contractor may share responsibility due to faulty signage or roadworks, or when you are invited to join a criminal case as a civil party. Lawyers negotiate with insurers, coordinate medical expert assessments, calculate all heads of damage using the Belgian indicative tables, and ensure that strict time limits and procedural rules are met.

Local Laws Overview

Mandatory insurance and direct action: Belgian law requires compulsory motor liability insurance. Injured parties usually have a direct right to claim from the at-fault vehicle’s insurer. If the vehicle is uninsured or unidentified, claims may be directed to the national motor insurance guarantee fund.

Protection of vulnerable road users: Pedestrians, cyclists, and other non-motorized road users who are injured in a collision with a motor vehicle are generally compensated for personal injuries regardless of fault, subject to limited exceptions. This protection is highly relevant where a truck collides with a cyclist or pedestrian.

Police Court and language: The Police Court in the Hasselt area is typically competent for traffic offenses and related civil claims. Proceedings are usually in Dutch in Hasselt. Victims can join criminal proceedings as a civil party to claim compensation.

Evidence in truck cases: Professional drivers must comply with European social rules on driving and rest times and use a tachograph. Tachograph and telematics data, maintenance logs, and cargo records can be crucial. Prompt preservation of this evidence is important.

Compensation heads: Typical recoverable losses include medical costs, loss of earnings, temporary and permanent incapacity, assistance by third persons, pain and suffering, transport expenses, vehicle repair or total loss, and loss of use. Belgian courts and insurers commonly use the indicative tables to assess bodily injury compensation.

Insurer response times: Insurers must provide a reasoned reply to a properly presented claim within a few months and make a settlement offer once your medical state is stable. Interim payments can be requested where liability is reasonably clear.

Limitation periods: In most civil traffic cases, claims must be brought within a period that is commonly five years from the day after you became aware of the damage and the liable person, with a long-stop period that is significantly longer. Shorter practical deadlines can apply for notifying your own insurer or challenging certain decisions. A lawyer will verify the applicable time limit in your situation.

Employer and keeper liability: Transport companies are typically liable for damage caused by their employee drivers in the course of work. Internal recourse against an employee is restricted except in cases of intent or serious fault.

Public authorities: If road design, poor maintenance, or inadequate roadworks signage contributed to the accident, a claim may be possible against the relevant road authority or contractor. These cases require quick expert evidence and strict notice procedures.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Hasselt

Ensure safety and call 112 if there are injuries or hazards. Request police attendance if there is injury, significant damage, or disagreement. Exchange details, take photos of positions, damage, skid marks, road signs, and surroundings. Identify witnesses and note their contact details. Complete the European Accident Statement if possible without admitting fault. Seek medical attention the same day, even if you feel fine. Notify your insurer promptly and consult a lawyer before giving formal statements.

Do I have to call the police

You should call the police if there are injuries, if the parties disagree, if the other driver flees, appears intoxicated, or lacks proper documents, or if the vehicles cannot be safely moved. A police report is often decisive in truck cases and will include diagrams, statements, and any roadside tests.

How is fault determined in Belgian truck accidents

Fault is assessed using the Highway Code, the police report, witness evidence, vehicle damage patterns, tachograph and telematics data, and expert reconstructions where needed. Breaches like tailgating, speeding, red light violations, illegal overtaking, or ignoring load limits can establish fault. Comparative fault can reduce compensation where both sides contributed.

What if I was a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a truck

Belgian law offers strong protection for non-motorized road users. In most cases, your personal injuries are compensated by the motor vehicle insurer regardless of fault, subject to limited exceptions such as intentional self-harm or inexcusable behavior. Property damage, like a bicycle, still depends on fault unless insured.

What if the truck was foreign, uninsured, or it was a hit-and-run

If the truck is insured abroad, you can usually claim in Belgium via the appointed claims representative or through the Belgian motor insurance bureau. If the vehicle was uninsured or unidentified, you may claim through the national motor insurance guarantee fund. A lawyer will identify the correct body and manage the notice and evidence requirements.

How long will the claim process take and are there insurer deadlines

Timing depends on liability clarity and medical stabilization. Insurers must provide a reasoned reply within a few months of receiving a complete claim, and a settlement offer is expected once your medical condition is stable. Interim payments can bridge the period while you recover. Disputed cases or complex injuries that require court-appointed expertise take longer.

What compensation can I claim

You can claim medical expenses, loss of income, assistance by third persons, travel and care costs, pain and suffering, temporary and permanent incapacity, and property damage including repair or total loss and loss of use. Calculations follow medical assessments and the indicative tables commonly used by Belgian courts. Keep all invoices and records.

Will there be a criminal case and should I become a civil party

Serious traffic offenses can lead to a criminal prosecution in the Police Court. You can join as a civil party to seek compensation within that case, which can help with evidence and expert appointments. A lawyer will advise whether to proceed civilly, criminally, or both, depending on the facts and timing.

What are the time limits to start my claim

In most cases, civil claims must be brought within a period that is commonly five years from when you knew of the damage and the liable party, with a longer final deadline after the accident. There are also short contractual or statutory deadlines to notify insurers and apply to the guarantee fund. Get legal advice quickly so that no deadline is missed.

How do legal fees and legal expenses insurance work

Pure contingency fees are not allowed in Belgium, but success-linked supplements are possible on top of a base fee. Many people have legal expenses insurance as part of their car or household policy, which often lets you choose your own lawyer and covers expert and legal costs. Ask your insurer for written confirmation of coverage at the outset.

Additional Resources

Police Court in Hasselt for traffic offenses and civil compensation related to road accidents.

Local Police Limburg Regio Hoofdstad for accident reports and victim information.

Flemish Agency for Roads and Traffic AWV Limburg for roadworks and road condition information relevant to accident causation.

Federal Public Service Mobility and Transport for road safety and professional transport regulations.

Belgian Motor Insurance Bureau and the Motor Insurance Guarantee Fund for uninsured or unidentified vehicle claims and cross-border cases.

Ombudsman of Insurance for complaints about insurer handling of claims.

Victim support services in Limburg for emotional support and practical guidance after an accident.

Next Steps

Prioritize health and safety. Get immediate medical care and follow treatment. Ask for a detailed medical report and keep all receipts.

Preserve evidence. Request the police report number, keep a copy of the European Accident Statement, save photos and videos, and identify witnesses. If a truck is involved, ask your lawyer to request preservation of tachograph and telematics data without delay.

Notify insurers. Inform your own insurer quickly and provide basic facts, but avoid admitting fault. If you are injured, ask about legal expenses insurance and coverage for your choice of lawyer and experts.

Consult a lawyer early. A local lawyer can assess liability, identify all responsible parties and insurers, secure evidence, and protect you in contacts with adjusters and investigators.

Document losses. Keep a diary of symptoms, missed work, assistance received, and out-of-pocket costs. Provide payslips, tax statements, and invoices to support your claim.

Plan the medical and legal pathway. Your lawyer may propose an independent medical assessment, request interim payments, and negotiate a settlement using the indicative tables. If necessary, they will issue proceedings in the Police Court and guide you on joining any criminal case as a civil party.

Mind the deadlines. Ask your lawyer to confirm the applicable limitation period and any specific notice requirements, especially in cases involving public authorities or the guarantee fund.