Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Kalundborg

About Truck Accident Law in Kalundborg, Denmark

Truck accidents in Kalundborg are handled under Danish traffic and compensation laws that apply nationwide. If a heavy goods vehicle collides with a car, cyclist, pedestrian, or other road user, liability is usually addressed through the truck owner’s compulsory motor liability insurance. Police will handle any potential violations of the Road Traffic Act, while your injury and property loss claims are typically negotiated with insurers. Because Kalundborg sits on important regional routes with local industry and port activity, accidents may involve Danish and foreign carriers, which can add cross-border insurance and evidence issues. This guide gives you a clear overview of your rights, obligations, and practical steps after a truck accident in or around Kalundborg.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

A lawyer can help you when fault is disputed, when injuries are significant, or when multiple insurers and jurisdictions are involved. Truck collisions often cause severe injuries and complex damage patterns, including large repair costs, lost earnings, and long-term medical needs. A lawyer can gather and preserve critical evidence such as tachograph data and electronic logs, assess whether a transport company is vicariously liable for a driver’s actions, and ensure your claim includes all compensation categories available under Danish law. Legal help is also valuable if the at-fault truck is uninsured or foreign registered, if your employer is involved because you were on the job, or if an insurer delays or undervalues your claim. In fatal or catastrophic injury cases, professional representation helps families navigate compensation and benefits while complying with strict deadlines.

Local Laws Overview

Reporting and police involvement - If anyone is injured or if there is significant damage, call 112 immediately. For non-emergency reporting and guidance, call 114 for Midt- og Vestsjællands Politi, which covers Kalundborg. You must remain at the scene, exchange details, and cooperate with police. A police report is important evidence for insurance and liability assessment.

Liability and insurance - Motor vehicles in Denmark must carry liability insurance. Claims for injury and property damage caused by a truck are usually brought against the truck owner’s insurer. Employers are generally vicariously liable for drivers acting within the scope of employment. If the vehicle is uninsured or unidentified, the Danish Motor Insurers’ Bureau can handle claims.

Contributory fault - If you were partly at fault, for example by not wearing a seatbelt or by unsafe cycling, your compensation can be reduced proportionally. Fault is evaluated based on the Road Traffic Act and general negligence principles.

Compensation categories - Danish law recognizes several heads of loss, including medical expenses, property damage, temporary pain and suffering, lost earnings during recovery, permanent injury compensation, loss of earning capacity, assistance and care needs, and in fatal cases funeral expenses and survivor compensation. Amounts for some categories are standardized and indexed annually.

Time limits - Most civil claims are subject to a general three-year limitation period running from the day you knew or should have known the injury and the responsible party. There can be longer absolute limits in rare cases. Shorter internal notice requirements may apply under insurance terms, so prompt reporting is vital. For work-related accidents, employers must report to their workers’ compensation insurer and the relevant authority within specific deadlines.

Work-related accidents - If you were working when the accident happened, the Workers’ Compensation scheme may cover medical costs, permanent injury, and loss of earning capacity. This sits alongside the road traffic claim, with coordination to avoid double compensation. Employers have reporting duties and you should notify your employer without delay.

Evidence and data - In truck cases, key evidence can include police reports, scene photos, dashcam footage, witness statements, vehicle electronic data recorders, and tachograph or electronic logging device data that record speed, driving and rest times, and braking. A lawyer can send preservation notices to prevent deletion of relevant data.

Foreign trucks and cross-border issues - Kalundborg traffic can involve foreign carriers. Claims may still be pursued in Denmark through the insurer’s local representative or the Danish Motor Insurers’ Bureau under the Green Card system. EU rules govern driving and rest times and tachograph use, which can be relevant to fault.

Criminal versus civil proceedings - Traffic offenses are handled by police and prosecution. Your compensation claim is a separate civil matter usually handled with insurers. A criminal decision can influence the civil claim, but you can pursue compensation even if no charges are brought.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Kalundborg

Call 112 if anyone is injured. Move to safety if possible, turn on hazard lights, and use warning triangles. Exchange names, addresses, phone numbers, registration plates, and insurance details. Take photos of vehicles, road layout, skid marks, cargo spills, and injuries. Ask witnesses for contact details. Seek medical evaluation even if you feel fine, because symptoms can appear later. Report the accident to your insurer promptly and keep copies of everything.

Do I need to call the police

Yes if there are injuries, major damage, or disagreements about fault. In an emergency call 112. For non-urgent guidance call 114 for Midt- og Vestsjællands Politi. A police report documents the scene and can be crucial for your claim.

Who pays for my losses after a truck accident

Typically the truck owner’s compulsory motor liability insurer pays for your personal injury and property damage if their insured is liable. Your own insurer may also be involved for collision coverage, vehicle repairs, or personal accident coverage, subject to your policy terms.

What if the truck was uninsured or left the scene

You may still be able to claim through the Danish Motor Insurers’ Bureau, which handles uninsured or unidentified vehicle cases. Report the accident to police immediately and provide any evidence that can help identify the vehicle.

Can I get compensation if I was partly at fault

Yes. Denmark applies proportional reduction for contributory fault. If you are found partly responsible, your compensation may be reduced by a percentage that reflects your share of fault.

What types of compensation can I claim

You can claim medical and rehabilitation expenses, property damage, temporary pain and suffering, lost earnings during recovery, permanent injury compensation, loss of future earning capacity, and necessary assistance and aids. In fatal cases, funeral expenses and certain survivor benefits may be available.

How long do I have to make a claim

In most cases you have up to three years from when you knew or should have known about the injury and who was responsible. There are exceptions and coordination with insurance notice requirements, so do not wait. Report the accident and speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.

What if the accident happened while I was working

You may have both a road traffic claim and a workers’ compensation case. Notify your employer promptly so they can report the injury. Workers’ compensation can cover treatment and certain long-term losses, and any overlap with the road claim is coordinated to prevent double recovery.

How is fault proven in a truck case

Fault is proven through police reports, witness statements, vehicle damage analysis, photographs, and electronic data such as tachograph records, speed, braking, and driver hours. Violations of driving and rest time rules, load securement, or traffic rules can indicate negligence.

How long will my insurance claim take

Simple property damage claims can resolve in weeks. Injury claims often take months, especially if medical recovery is ongoing, because insurers typically wait for a stable medical prognosis before finalizing compensation for permanent injury or loss of earning capacity.

Additional Resources

Midt- og Vestsjællands Politi - emergency 112 - non-emergency 114.

Kalundborg Kommune - citizen services, rehabilitation, and social support after injury.

Færdselsstyrelsen - Danish Road Traffic Authority for vehicle and driver rules including heavy vehicles.

Vejdirektoratet - Danish Road Directorate for national road conditions and heavy transport permits.

Trafikstyrelsen - Danish Transport Authority for transport operator licensing and safety regulation.

Arbejdstilsynet - Danish Working Environment Authority for workplace accident guidance.

Arbejdsmarkedets Erhvervssikring - AES - National Board of Industrial Injuries for workers’ compensation claims.

Ankenævnet for Forsikring - Insurance Complaints Board for disputes with insurers.

Dansk Forening for International Motorkøretøjsforsikring - Danish Motor Insurers’ Bureau for uninsured or foreign vehicle claims.

Patienterstatningen - Danish Patient Injury Compensation for medical treatment injuries.

Next Steps

Seek medical attention and follow your doctor’s advice. Report the accident to police if there are injuries or significant damage. Notify your insurer as soon as possible and provide basic facts without speculating about fault.

Collect and organize documents such as the police report, photos, medical records, receipts, proof of lost income, and any communication with insurers. Keep a diary of symptoms, treatment, and how the injury affects your daily life and work.

If a truck or transport company is involved, act quickly to preserve evidence. Consider having a lawyer send a preservation request for tachograph and vehicle data, CCTV, and load documents.

Contact a lawyer who handles truck and traffic injury cases in the Kalundborg area. Ask about experience with heavy vehicle claims, cross-border issues, and coordination with workers’ compensation if you were on duty. Many lawyers offer an initial consultation so you can discuss strategy and timelines.

This guide is general information only - it is not legal advice. Laws and procedures can change and every case is fact specific. If you have been involved in a truck accident in or around Kalundborg, timely professional advice can help protect your rights and improve your outcome.