Legal advice in case of traffic accidents - Legal advice centre

Questioner

Had an accident last week in which I was at fault. I crashed into another car at a traffic light. The driver then turns right and I followed him!!!!! But after a while I stopped because I thought the person in question was driving for too long and could have stopped long ago and I wanted to see what my damages were. then the car turned left. It didn't feel right to me and I didn't chase him any further. Then the next day I left a report at the police station. A week later I get a phone call from the police that they have made a connection with my report and another report where it is claimed that I drove on at the scene of the crime, which is certainly not true! I was hit by a person more than 600 meters behind me. Police ask if they can pass on my details, I'd rather not after this false accusation!! This case doesn't smell fresh to me!!

Lawyer

The fact that you reported the accident to the police is in your favour. If the other person called the police immediately after the accident, that is to your disadvantage. After all, you only reported the accident to the police the next day. If you were not alone in the car, you can prove through witnesses that you were hit by the car. Perhaps the driver of the car you were driving did not have a driving licence and therefore drove on after the accident. You do not have to provide your details, but I advise you to tell the police why you do not want to do so. If you prevent a person from being able to claim damages, that can work to your disadvantage. In any case, I would also report this accident to your car insurer, because they can also be held liable based on your registration number.

Questioner

Hello Sandra, Thank you for your response, I have contacted the insurance company and my damage has already been repaired. I have filled out a damage form and photos of my damage have been sent. I also told the police that the person in question can contact my insurance agent, but I don't want to have contact with someone who falsely accuses me! And yes, my son was in the car and is therefore a witness. Another thing is that the bus had some dents that could not possibly have come from my car!

Questioner

Hello Sandra, Thank you for your response, I have contacted the insurance company and my damage has already been repaired. I have filled out a damage form and photos of my damage have been sent. I also told the police that the person in question can contact my insurance agent, but I don't want to have contact with someone who falsely accuses me! And yes, my son was in the car and is therefore a witness. Another thing is that the bus had some dents that could not possibly have come from my car!

Questioner

Hello Sandra, Thank you for your response, I have contacted the insurance company and my damage has already been repaired. I have filled out a damage form and photos of my damage have been sent. I also told the police that the person in question can contact my insurance agent, but I don't want to have contact with someone who falsely accuses me! And yes, my son was in the car and is therefore a witness. Another thing is that the bus had some dents that could not possibly have come from my car!

Lawyer

That's fine. A loss adjuster from your insurer can in due time assess very well what old and new damage is, due to rust formation etc. So if someone wants to claim old damage on your policy, they will most likely come out on top.

Questioner

Thank you so much!!!!