Unfortunately, we don’t live in a perfect world, one in which everyone takes responsibility for their mistakes. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, there’s a very good chance the at-fault driver will try to escape accountability. Individuals who commit insurance fraud may face significant legal repercussions, including the possibility of serving up to five years in prison if convicted. That’s why you’ll have to talk to an experienced car accident attorney as soon as you can if you’ve been hurt in an automobile wreck that wasn’t your fault.
The Eberst Law Firm will fight to make sure the responsible driver faces that accountability. Our attorneys have the skill and experience it takes to help you obtain fair compensation. If you would like to schedule a free consultation, please use our online contact form or give us a call at (772) 225-4900.
Introduction to the Problem
Dealing with a car accident can be a stressful and overwhelming experience, especially when the at-fault driver lies about the incident. At-fault drivers may deny responsibility, downplay the severity of the accident, or blame the other driver to avoid liability. This can lead to complications in the insurance claim process and potentially result in the denial of a legitimate claim. It is essential to understand the importance of gathering evidence and seeking legal assistance to protect your rights and interests. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the claim process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
Understanding the Accident
To build a strong case, it is crucial to understand the circumstances surrounding the accident. This includes gathering information about the accident scene, such as photos, videos, and witness statements. The police report is also a vital piece of evidence, as it provides an official account of the accident. Additionally, it is essential to keep a record of any communication with the at-fault driver, including their statements and any inconsistencies in their story. A personal injury lawyer can help you gather and analyze this evidence to determine the best course of action for your case.
What At-Fault Drivers Lie About
When an at-fault driver lies, that obviously adds a layer of complexity to your personal injury case. You might be 100 percent certain that you aren’t to blame, but that won’t mean a whole lot unless your attorney can produce the evidence needed in order to prove your case.
But why would that driver lie in the first place? There are actually quite a few reasons. At-fault drivers will typically face steep increases in their insurance premiums – they might try to avoid blame simply to save money. Drivers who are drunk or driving under the influence of drugs will often leave the accident scene to avoid being arrested – they’ll then deny they were to blame after the accident occurs. Common lies include denying negligence or fabricating scenarios to protect their interests after a crash.
How Can I Protect Myself from the At-Fault Drivers Lies?
Again, the best way to shield yourself from lies is to have solid, strong evidence. That’s the case whether you’re involved in a truck accident or any other type of wreck. If you don’t, then the insurance adjuster assigned to your case will more than likely deny your claim. Other evidence, such as phone records, expert analysis, and surveillance footage, can be crucial in proving dishonesty and ensuring a fair settlement.
Here are just a few things you can do to gather the proof you need.
Give an Accurate Statement to the Police
Be as honest and accurate as you possibly can when talking to the police. The police report could very well make the difference between getting what you deserve and not getting anything at all. So, tell the officer everything you possibly can regarding what happened.
The police officer creates an official accident report detailing essential information such as driver statements and witnesses.
The Importance of Accident Reports
Accident reports are a critical component of the insurance claim process. They provide a detailed account of the accident, including the parties involved, the vehicles, and the circumstances surrounding the incident. The police report can also help establish fault and determine the extent of the damages. It is essential to ensure that the accident report is accurate and complete, as any errors or omissions can impact the outcome of your claim. A car accident lawyer can help you review the accident report and ensure that it accurately reflects the events surrounding the accident.
Speak to Witnesses and Write Down Their Information
Witness statements can also be powerful pieces of evidence. If at all possible, talk to people who saw the accident, and get their names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses. Gathering statements from potential witnesses at the accident scene can corroborate your account of events and strengthen your case. Objective witnesses really don’t have any incentive to lie – they might even make the insurance company more amenable to offering you what you actually deserve. If the insurer knows you have an ironclad case, it will very likely settle for a fair amount.
Of course, it’s often asking a lot for someone who’s been traumatized and hurt to try and gather witness information. One of the main reasons to hire an experienced law firm is that it will have the resources needed to conduct a thorough investigation of your accident. There’s a very good chance your attorney will be able to find people who saw what happened.
Gather Your Own Evidence
If possible, try to get as much photographic evidence of the accident scene. Take pictures of not only the damage to the vehicles involved, but also any skid marks. Skid marks could indicate that the other driver’s vehicle was exceeding the speed limit at the time of the crash. Collecting physical proof, such as photos or videos of the vehicle damage, is crucial to support claims against at-fault drivers or in legal disputes regarding compensation.
Your attorney could also help obtain evidence in the form of security camera video. More than likely, there was a convenience store/gas station, or some other type of building located near the accident scene. There’s just as good a chance that structure has some sort of security camera. Security cameras from nearby businesses may have recorded the incident, providing crucial timestamps and visual evidence to support a driver’s claims in disputes over fault. Your legal representative will be able to obtain that footage to strengthen your case.
Maintain Consistency in Your Side of the Story
You might be too hurt to be able to gather photos or talk to witnesses – some things may simply be out of your control.
One thing you can control, however, will be what you say. This is where you have to be extremely careful. You have to be consistent when it comes to your story. That means saying the same thing to an insurance company that you said to the police. If you tell different stories, the insurance company could seize upon that inconsistency and deny your claim.
This is yet another area where the help of an attorney could prove invaluable. Insurance adjusters are notorious for trying to get car accident injury victims to slip up and say something that could damage their case beyond repair. When you have a lawyer working for you, however, he or she will protect you from that harassment, acting as a sort of shield. Simply tell the adjuster to direct all questions to your legal representative.
Are There Consequences for Lying About Your Accident?
There are a lot of reasons why people involved in a car accident need to be as truthful as possible regarding what happened. If not, the consequences can be harsh. Here are just a few. Lying during a car accident claim can lead to serious legal consequences, including potential criminal charges like perjury and insurance fraud.
- The insurance carrier could cancel a driver’s policy, putting them in the “high-risk” category. This could make it incredibly difficult to get auto insurance as a result. Even if a person could find coverage, they’d wind up paying much more than the average policyholder.
- There are instances where high-risk drivers can’t find coverage at all. If this is the case, and they are found to be to blame for a future accident, they’d have to pay all damages out of their own pocket.
- When drivers are found to be lying about the circumstances of an accident, they could also face stiff fines – and possibly even face criminal punishment. Drivers who are caught lying about accidents may face insurance denial and lawsuits for defamation or fraud.
Admitting Fault and Its Consequences
Admitting fault can have serious consequences, including increased insurance premiums and potential legal action. If you are found to be at fault, you may be held liable for the damages and injuries resulting from the accident. It is essential to understand the concept of fault and how it applies to your case. A car accident lawyer can help you determine the best course of action and ensure that you are not unfairly held liable for the accident. Additionally, if the at-fault driver has lied about the accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove their fault and protect your rights and interests.
In the event that the at-fault driver’s lies are discovered, they may face serious consequences, including insurance fraud charges and potential legal action. Insurance companies take fraudulent claims seriously, and those found guilty may face fines, penalties, and even criminal charges. A car accident lawyer can help you understand the potential consequences of the at-fault driver’s actions and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. By seeking legal assistance and gathering evidence, you can protect your rights and interests and ensure that the at-fault driver is held accountable for their actions.
Hire an Attorney to Combat the Lies and Win Your Case
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, and that driver is lying about who was to blame, you’re going to have to hire an attorney as soon as you can. Doing so will be your best – and possibly only – chance of winning your case and obtaining the money you deserve.
An experienced lawyer can aid in gathering and presenting evidence effectively to strengthen your case and improve your chances of securing a fair settlement. Put the experience and knowledge of The Eberst Law Firm to work for you. Call (772) 225-4900 or fill out a contact form for a free case review.
