When an at-fault driver is lying about a car accident, it can be both frustrating and confusing. It’s crucial to remain calm, collect accurate information, and take the right steps to protect yourself. Drivers may lie to avoid legal issues, higher insurance rates, or financial responsibility for damages and injuries.
If the at-fault driver is acting dishonestly after your crash, contact Dodds Law Office at (309) 807-3600 for help.
What to Do if the At-Fault Driver Is Lying About a Car Accident
An at-fault driver in Bloomington might lie about a car accident for several reasons, such as fear of a traffic citation, protecting their insurance rates, avoiding getting dropped by their insurer, minimizing compensation for their injuries, and preserving their reputation. Memory distortion, intentional deception, and fear of civil lawsuits can also play a role. Around 35.8 million people in the U.S. have lied on their auto insurance applications to secure better rates. If the negligent driver was engaging in risky behavior that could lead to penalties, they may feel compelled to lie, often maintaining the same car accident false claims when speaking with their insurance company.
If you’ve experienced a collision, the last thing you need is for the responsible driver to misrepresent the facts and evade accountability. If you suspect that the at-fault driver is lying, you should take the following actions:
Get the Police Involved
Start by filing a police report to document the accident officially. You can also obtain the other driver’s insurance details from the police. If you have your own insurance, they may offer assistance.
Insurance companies might request a recorded statement from you to process your claim. It’s best to avoid giving one, as it could be used against you later. Let your attorney handle any at-fault driver liability matters.
Notify Your Insurance
Inform your insurance company about serious claims or misunderstandings as soon as possible. Filing a report doesn’t mean you accept responsibility; it’s a precaution to protect yourself. Share all relevant details, including photos, videos, witness names, and other pertinent information. Don’t hesitate to ask for their advice on the next steps.
Be honest when communicating with your insurer. Stick to the facts and avoid assumptions. Providing evidence like photos and witness statements can strengthen your case. Reporting the incident protects your insurance record and ensures support if false claims arise.
Maintain Consistency in Your Story
Any car accident lawyer or insurance adjuster who investigates car accidents will emphasize that consistency is crucial for a successful claim. Your account needs to remain the same from start to finish for the insurance company or, ultimately, a jury to trust your words and approve your claim or award damages.
However, recounting the details of an accident can sometimes lead to confusion or forgetfulness, which can complicate matters. Here are a few suggestions to help maintain consistency in your narrative:
- First, promptly write down everything you recall about the accident right after it occurs. This practice helps keep the details clear in your memory and provides a reference you can revisit later if needed.
- Second, limit the number of people you discuss the incident with. Each time you share your account, there’s a chance you might forget or alter some details. If you need to talk about it, focus on sharing it with just a few trusted friends or family members.
- Lastly, stick to the facts and avoid adding any embellishments or fabrications. It may seem minor, but maintaining consistency is vital for strengthening your case.
Document Everything
Maintain thorough documentation of all your interactions with the insurance company. Note any differences or contradictions in the account given by the at-fault driver, and share this information with your car accident attorney in Bloomington.
Seek Legal Advice
In certain situations, it may be prudent to seek legal counsel, especially if circumstances intensify. If you notice the other driver escalating the claim or involving their insurance provider or an attorney, it might be time to consult with a lawyer. Although not every incident necessitates legal representation, there are specific indicators that should raise your concern.
Threats of Legal Action
If the other driver suggests they might take you to court, it’s crucial to obtain legal guidance right away. Addressing legal challenges early can help you navigate the situation more effectively.
Guidance from Your Insurance Company
Should your insurance provider recommend that you seek legal counsel, it is wise to heed their advice. They have experience with these matters and can help protect your interests.
Serious Accusations
In cases where you face serious allegations, such as fleeing the scene of an accident or causing significant damage, having an attorney is essential. Their expertise can be invaluable in managing complex legal issues.
Prepare for Possible Legal Proceedings
If the other driver keeps lying and neither your insurance company nor the police can settle the matter, you might have to consider taking legal action. This involves filing a claim in court, where both parties can present their case, and a judge or jury will make a determination.
You might wonder if you should sue after a car accident. If the falsehoods from the other driver are seriously harming you, such as hurting your reputation or causing financial difficulties, you might need to pursue a lawsuit against them. This could be a viable option if you face a substantial increase in your insurance rates or are unable to recover compensation.
How to Prove the Truth When the At-Fault Driver Provides False Information
Proving that the other driver was dishonest about a car accident can be challenging. Gathering strong evidence is crucial, including photos or videos of the scene, witness details, and nearby surveillance cameras. The more evidence you collect, the better your chances of succeeding in your claim.
Take Photos and Videos
Your phone will be invaluable during this process. Be sure to thoroughly document the scene with photos and videos, as this evidence can provide indisputable evidence.
- Photograph both vehicles clearly. Take images of your car from various angles, including close-ups of any damage. Do the same for the other vehicle involved.
- Document the surroundings. Take pictures of the location, nearby street signs, or other relevant details that characterize the scene of the incident.
- Take a video. A video can often convey more information than still photos alone, so pan around to provide an overview of the area.
Get Witnesses Involved
In a car accident case, securing witness contact information and their accounts of the incident is crucial. Witnesses can include passengers from both vehicles. If the other driver misrepresents the facts to their insurance, a witness statement can strongly support your claim. Share all witness details with your attorney, who can then obtain formal statements.
Check for Nearby Cameras
When you’re in places equipped with surveillance cameras, like parking lots, gas stations, or residential neighborhoods, you may find video footage that could help prove your innocence.
Take a moment to spot any security cameras situated on nearby buildings or houses. If you’re equipped with a dash cam, now would be a perfect opportunity to check its recordings. Keep a record of where you noticed these cameras so that you can reach out to the right individuals later to request the footage, if necessary.
Other Evidence That Can Be Used
To establish what happened in a car accident where the other driver is not truthful, consider gathering various forms of evidence. This could include the 911 call recording, police reports detailing observations, medical records of your injuries, and testimony from accident reconstruction experts analyzing physical evidence. Statements from witnesses can help clarify the event sequence, while social media posts from the at-fault driver might contradict their narrative. Additionally, any prior traffic violations could challenge their credibility. Lastly, recorded statements from the at-fault driver that show inconsistencies and expert testimonies can further support your case.
Why You Need an Attorney to Handle False Claims
After a car accident, it’s crucial to hire personal injury attorneys to combat false statements and pursue justice. Their knowledge can help challenge unfounded claims and strengthen your case by investigating and collecting evidence.
Legal proceedings and insurance negotiations can be complex and daunting. Personal injury lawyers can navigate these challenges, providing guidance on questions such as how long a car accident case can stay open, as well as representation throughout the process. They can assess whether to pursue a lawsuit for defamation or fraud, ensuring the right legal steps are taken.
When facing false allegations, obtaining professional legal support is essential. Experienced attorneys can help clarify misrepresentations regarding injuries or accident details, enhancing the chances of a favorable outcome.
Victims of car accidents should consult knowledgeable lawyers who understand the legal options available, helping them secure fair compensation while addressing any false claims from defendants. Contact us at Dodds Law Office after your car accident.
