In personal injury cases, proof is of essential importance. You must demonstrate that an accident occurred, who is responsible for it, and what damage you have suffered. Strong evidence increases your chances of a successful claim.
What must you prove?
For a personal injury claim in Zoetermeer, you must prove the following points:
- That an accident occurred
- Who the liable party is
- That you have sustained injuries
- That these injuries were caused by the accident (causal link)
- The extent of the damage suffered
What types of evidence are there?
| Type of evidence | Examples |
|---|---|
| Documents | Police report, medical records, receipts |
| Witness statements | Statements from people who witnessed it |
| Expert reports | Medical analysis, report from a vocational expert |
| Visual material | Photos, video footage, dashcam recordings |
| Other sources | WhatsApp messages, email correspondence |
Actions immediately after an accident
Try to collect evidence as quickly as possible:
- Photograph the location, your injuries, and the damage
- Write down the contact details of witnesses
- Request a police report
- Visit a doctor immediately to document your complaints
- Keep all receipts and bills
Importance of medical evidence
Medical documentation plays a crucial role:
- Ensure your complaints are recorded immediately after the accident
- Write down daily how you feel
- Request a copy of your medical records
- In some cases, a medical expert report is necessary
Expertise in complex cases
In complicated personal injury cases, a specialist is often engaged:
- Medical expert: Assesses permanent limitations
- Vocational specialist: Analyzes your ability to work
- Damage expert: Calculates the financial impact
- Accident analyst: Reconstructs how the accident occurred
What if there are no witnesses?
In that case, other forms of evidence become more important, such as a police report, photos, dashcam footage, or medical documentation shortly after the accident. An accident analyst can help reconstruct the event.Can I request my own medical records?
Yes, you have the right to access your medical records and can request a copy. This often costs a small fee. Your records are important to prove your injury.How long should I keep evidence?
Keep evidence at least until your case is resolved. Given the limitation period of 5 years (and in some cases 20 years), it is wise to retain evidence for a long time.Help in Zoetermeer
For legal support, you can go to the Juridisch Loket Zoetermeer. In addition, personal injury cases in this region often fall under the District Court of The Hague. Engaging a personal injury lawyer can help present your evidence effectively and safeguard your rights.