If you have been involved in a collision, you may want to request the official report. Because then you can prove that the other party is liable. This is possible at Stichting Processen-Verbaal. You can read exactly how that works in this article.
In this article:
- What is an official report?
- How do I request an official report?
- Do I need an official report?
- Requesting an official report after a collision
What is an official report?
An official report is a document that a government official draws up after an accident, violation, or crime. In the case of a car accident or collision, this is usually done by a police officer. In the official report, the police officer records his or her observations about the circumstances of the incident, as well as the statements of the witnesses and those involved and their contact details.
Do the police always come to the scene of a rear-end collision?
You do not always have to call the police in the event of a rear-end collision. In some cases, there is so little damage that you can settle it amongst yourselves. However, you should call the police in the following cases:
- An unsafe traffic situation has been created. If due to your injury you are unable to move your car or get off the road, or there are parts from the broken-down vehicles on the road.
- One or more of those involved have (serious) injuries. Certainly, if the injury is so serious that the person(s) involved must go to the hospital: in that case, the police will always come to the scene. They can also determine whether there is actually a case of personal injury.
- There is a conflict. If those involved in the rear-end collision are unable to resolve the matter when completing the claim form, it is wise to call the police. They can determine in an impartial manner who is liable for the damage.
- The liable motorist drives off after the collision. This is a serious violation. Always call the police when this happens.
- The other motorist is not insured. Call the police if the other driver turns out to be uninsured or refuses to provide his or her insurance information.
You do not have to sign the official report!
A signed official report is a legally valid document. That is why it is important to read what it says carefully before signing. Do you disagree with something it says? Then you can refuse to sign without having to state a reason. What it says is important when figuring out who is liable for the rear-end collision and the damage.
How do I request the official report?
If an official report is drawn up by the police after the collision, you will not receive a copy of this. You can request a copy from Stichting Processen-Verbaal. You have to pay for this. From one month after the rear-end collision, the official report will be in the possession of the Stichting Processen-Verbaal and you can request a copy. This will be possible until, at the latest, a year and a half after the document was drawn up; after that, you must contact the police or the Public Prosecutor’s Office.
Requests can only be made via the website of Stichting Processen-Verbaal. Per official report, you pay € 8.40 incl. 21% VAT, these costs must be paid during the application process via iDeal. After receipt of payment, Stichting Processen-Verbaal will process your request. You will not receive the official report just like that: it is important that you indicate what you need it for.
Do I need an official report for a rear-end collision?
Have you been involved in a rear-end collision? And did you sustain a personal injury as a result? In that case, requesting the official report can be useful in determining the liability of your personal injury. After all, an official report is a report of the circumstances of the rear-end collision, drawn up by an impartial police officer. It is a powerful document that can help you get compensation for your damage.
Requesting an official report after a rear-end collision
If the police arrive at the scene of a rear-end collision, the officer will draw up an official report. This contains his or her observations about the facts of the accident and statements from those involved and witnesses. An official report can be a useful document in determining liability for personal injury. You can request the document from Stichting Processen-Verbaal, one month after the rear-end collision. There are costs associated with this.
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