Liability after collision: Who pays?

Questioner

Today I witnessed a deliberate collision. Now I wondered if the insurance or the perpetrator himself should pay the costs. Situation: It started before the Benelux tunnel. The van cut me off over the displacement plane. Then the van stuck very close to the Swift for a long time (20cm?). Suddenly the van swerved the steering wheel and overtook sharply on the right. Threw his car in front of the Swift and braked hard. The Swift braked just in time after which the van pulled away again and braked hard again (+-80km/h). The Swift could not brake hard enough and crashed into it.

Lawyer

I can imagine that you were shocked by the collision. I advise you to contact the police and report yourself as a witness. I also wondered if you have the license plate and contact details of the Susuki Swift. If so, you can contact them and provide your details. If the insurer needs your statement, they can contact you. Because the van braked suddenly and without traffic necessity, the van is in principle liable. In that case, its insurer will compensate the damage. Good luck!