Student must pay compensation of 190,000 euros after an accident with bicycle where pedestrian (71) died (inland)

The 71-year-old Johan had dropped from West Flanders to Leuven on November 28, 2021. He had agreed there with a friendly couple to take a walk together and to recall memories of their student days.

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The foursome walked at Campus Arenberg – between Celestijnenlaan and the Tervuursevest – when Student VO came out of a bend. He sat on a women's bike, with a bag full of cans of Cara Pils on his steering wheel, on his way to his friends to watch football together. It was busy on the road, so VO had to slalom between pedestrians. But when he wanted to pass Johan, he suddenly took a step aside. It came to a collision, in which the West Flanders fell. A day later he died of his injuries.

It was busy on the road, so VO had to slalom between pedestrians. But when he wanted to pass Johan, he suddenly took a step aside. It came to a collision

120,000 euros

A year ago, the Leuven court sentenced VO to a 100 -hour work sentence and compensation of 120,000 euros. « Although there is no speed limit, a road user must adapt to the circumstances, » said the verdict. « The student did not adjust his speed when he got around the bend, while he had the time for that. »

VO appealed against that judgment. The man from Overijse thought he was not in mistake and had not driven carelessly. « I stopped stairs, » he told his process. His lawyer argued that Johan should have given priority to VO from the right

« Although there is no speed limit, a road user must adapt to the circumstances »

Judge in verdict a year ago

The court now ruled that VO is liable for the accident, but imposed the favor of the suspension. He will therefore not have to perform his work sentence. He does have to pay compensation. Not from 120,000 euros as was imposed a year ago, but from 190,000 euros.