What to do in the event of a collision?

It’s bound to happen to you, a collision. You are driving to work or cycling for a while when you are hit by a car. No matter how careful you are in traffic, it can happen to you. Unfortunately, you can suffer serious injuries in a collision, which can even be permanent. But what can you do to recover your personal injury?

Hit by a car, what now?

Fortunately, it doesn’t happen to you every day, a traffic accident. It is not surprising that you don’t know what to do if you are hit by a car. When do you call the police and when is this not necessary? What do you have to prove and how do you prove that the other party is at fault for the accident? Who can help you if you have suffered whiplash (Dutch: whiplash) as a result of the accident?

If you have been hit by a car (Dutch: aangereden door auto), the police will sometimes come automatically. This is usually the case in a serious traffic accident such as a car accident with a lot of damage. Or if the collision takes place on a busy road, such as the highway. The road must then be reopened quickly and the police will ensure this.

Sometimes you can also call the police yourself. You do this, for example, if the person who hit you continues driving after an accident. Or if the other party refuses to complete a damage collision form. If you contact the police in these situations, they can immediately investigate the accident and perhaps track down the perpetrator or ensure that the claim form is completed.

What steps should I take in the event of a collision?

If you have been hit by a car, it is not self-evident that you will receive compensation. Not even if the other party is at fault for the accident. Because an opponent can continue driving, as we just saw, refuse to cooperate or even deny being guilty of the accident. In other words, as a personal injury victim you must prove that the other party is to blame for the collision. This is called the burden of proof.

To prove that the other party is at fault for the collision, we advise you:

– Always complete a claim form and have it signed by the other party. The circumstances are then established. If the other party refuses to complete the damage form, call the police on the spot.

– See if there are any witnesses to the collision. A statement from a witness often shows who made the traffic error and who is therefore liable for the collision.

– Take as many clear photos as possible of the vehicles involved in the accident. Photos of the injury are also important to take.

– Always see a doctor about your injury. Tell your doctor what happened to you and what complaints and limitations you are left with as a result of the collision. Ask the doctor to mention this in your file.

– Hire a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. A personal injury lawyer can then start working for you immediately. He or she will hold the other party liable and can help you determine liability. A personal injury lawyer can also arrange an advance on the total damage for you and ensure that you receive maximum compensation.