5.  The applicant was born in 1969 and lives in Kranj. 6.  On 7 July 2001 the applicant was injured in a car accident. The motorist responsible for the accident had taken out insurance with the insurance company Zavarovalnica Maribor d.d. 7.  On 17 October 2001 the applicant instituted civil proceedings against the insurance company in the Kranj District Court (Okrožno sodišče v Kranju) seeking damages in the amount of 1,187,433.00 Slovenian tolars (approximately 4,966 euros) for the injuries sustained. 8.  Between 7 May 2002 and 20 September 2006 the applicant lodged four sets of preliminary written submissions. 9.  Between 4 September 2002 and 8 October 2004 he made three requests that a date be set for a hearing. 10.  Between 24 January and 21 September 2006 three hearings were held. 11.  On 23 February 2007 the applicant informed the first-instance court that he wished to withdraw the claim. 12.  On 30 March 2007 the Kranj District Court issued a decision that the proceedings be discontinued, following an out-of-court settlement between the parties.