What to do if a police officer wrongly accuses you?

Questioner

Two weeks ago I had surgery for a brain cyst. Since then my motor skills have been very bad. One evening I came home late. I was very tired and walked very badly. Normally I walk with a stick, but I had forgotten it. I live in an entertainment area. There were many shared scooters on the sidewalk. I should have walked around but I was very tired. I bumped into one of the shared scooters. The scooter fell over. A police officer drove up and saw the fallen scooter. He wanted me to pick up the scooter and said that he would contact the owner of the shared scooter. Any damage will be recovered from me. Now I fear that such a shared scooter is full of scratches and dents and that the owner will soon give it a major makeover at my expense. What can I do?

Lawyer

You may be held liable, but that does not mean that you have to pay all the damages claimed. (think of the current value and repair value) Are you not insured for this?

Questioner

Dear Monique, Thanks for your answer. I am insured but find it difficult to determine what damage is now caused by me and what damage is older to such a shared scooter. Before the scooter fell over I did not look at the thing properly or something. It was evening and dark and afterwards I was so upset by what happened with the officer that I immediately walked away.

Lawyer

The other party must be able to prove what the damage is, how great it is and whether it makes sense to repair the scooter compared to the current value.

Questioner

Then I wait for the owner's answer. I have no idea whether damage to shared scooters is registered and whether this is done accurately per trip made or whether people believe it all.

Lawyer

They have to prove that (the damage) by reports of the condition and photos and testimonies. Otherwise the claim for damages will be rejected.

Questioner

I did a quick search on the internet, but I can't find anything about how and when damage to shared scooters is recorded. I don't know if the officer actually saw me bump into the scooter, maybe he just saw the scooter fall. To be honest, I don't know if I bumped the scooter because it was so ridiculously full of scooters on that narrow stretch of pavement. The only thing I know is that I tried to struggle between the scooters and that one fell over. But maybe it was parked unsteadily? I really don't know, only that I didn't do it on purpose. My husband and son were there but walked in front of me, because it was so narrow.

Lawyer

The point is that the owner (or user) must prove that you are the person who caused the damage, which is difficult if sufficient records are not kept and/or photos are not taken.

Questioner

Thank you for your help. I was very shocked by what happened but you have reassured me somewhat.