The At-Fault Party Lied to Their Insurance Company? Here’s What to Do Next
The At-Fault Party Lied to Their Insurance Company? Here's What to Do Next
Car accidents are already stressful enough. But things can get even worse when you find out the other driver lied to their insurance company. If you were the victim who was hurt or had your car damaged, dealing with false claims can be incredibly frustrating, especially when the other driver tries to deny responsibility.
While almost all states require drivers to have liability car insurance, some just deny being at fault to avoid the consequences, like increased premiums. In such a situation, knowing what the right steps are can help you protect yourself and get fair compensation.
Table of contents
Common Lies After a Car Accident
Some of the most common lies told to insurance companies are:
- Giving a false version of events.
- Denying that the accident even happened.
- Claiming they weren’t distracted, speeding, or texting when the accident occurred.
Even though these lies may seem small, they can have a big impact on your ability to recover damages.
How These Lies Can Affect Your Claim
If the at-fault party lies, their insurance company may delay your claim or deny it altogether. They might argue that you were the one at fault or that there isn’t enough proof of what really happened.
In some cases, you may even end up getting blamed for the accident when you clearly did nothing wrong. Well, it goes without saying that this is unfair, but there are ways to push back.
What to Do When the At-Fault Driver Lies About an Accident
The most important thing you can do is gather evidence and stay organized. This includes:
- Taking photos and videos. Right after the accident, take as many photos as possible. Capture the cars, traffic signs, skid marks, and anything else that could help prove what happened.
- Talk to witnesses. If anyone saw the crash, get their name and contact info. Their statement can assist in supporting your version of events.
- Get a copy of the police report. Officers usually write down what both drivers said and who they believe was at fault. This comes in handy when the other driver is lying.
- Notify your insurance company. Even if the other driver is at fault, let your own insurer know. Give them all the details and evidence you have.
- Write down everything. Note down what happened as soon as you can while the events are still fresh in your mind.
Staying calm and sticking to facts is key in such situations. Insurance companies look closely at how consistent and reliable your story really is.
Legal Options to Explore if the Lies Continue
If the other driver’s lies are causing real problems for your claim, it may be time to get legal help. A personal injury lawyer will guide you through the process and fight on your behalf. They know how to handle tricky insurance claims and will even collect enough evidence to prove your case.
Your lawyer can also use the legal discovery process, like depositions, to uncover the truth. Additionally, attorneys will report false statements as insurance fraud if the lies were serious and intentional. It is easier for the truth to come out once a lawyer is involved.
Conclusion
It is upsetting when someone refuses to take responsibility for their actions, and this ends up affecting your chances of getting justice. But you don’t have to accept it. With the right steps, you can protect yourself and your claim even if the other driver lies. Remember to document everything, tell the truth, and don’t be afraid to get legal help if you need it.
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