Between dealing with injuries, damage to your vehicle, and trying to negotiate a fair settlement, there is pretty much no such thing as a stress-free car accident. Determining who is at fault in an accident is one of the most important steps to getting a fair settlement and that can be extra challenging when the at-fault party is lying.
Remember, Washington State is a comparative fault state, which means that fault can be shared. The problem is that if the at-fault driver is lying, the percentage of fault assigned to you could be exaggerated, which will reduce your settlement.
What If At Fault Driver Lied About Accident?
What if at fault driver lied about accident? When the-at fault driver lies about the accident, it can be hard to prove the truth because insurance companies typically rely on police reports and their policyholder’s statement about the accident. To be clear, when one party lies it is more challenging for police officers to write an accurate police report and for insurance companies to determine who was at fault so compensation can be issued fairly.
Unfortunately, conflicting statements from drivers can result in insurance companies denying claims and refusing to pay. This is why it’s vital to do everything in your power to have your version of the car accident corroborated when the other driver is lying.
What Should You Do After an Accident Where You Believe the At-Fault Driver is Lying?
Here are some things you should do following an accident where the at-fault driver may be lying about what led to the crash:
- Call the police. The police officer will arrive and collect evidence about the accident, talk to witnesses, and file a police report at the scene. Be truthful with the officer without admitting fault. This police report will be useful for proving what really happened in the accident.
- Gather as much evidence as you can. Take pictures of the vehicles involved in the accident from multiple angles (don’t forget the license plate(s)), any debris or road markings caused by the accident, and the scene where the accident happened. Also, look around for security cameras or ask nearby businesses if they had security cameras pointed to the street to see if the collision may have been recorded. Any tangible evidence can help to support your claim.
- Talk to witnesses. If there were witnesses to the crash who have stopped, ask for their contact information and take down notes or a video recording of their observations about the accident. Their accounts could help to corroborate your version of the accident and show that the other driver is lying.
- Seek medical attention. Seeking a physical exam by a medical doctor as soon as possible (or immediately) after the accident is important for showing that your injuries were caused by the accident. This is important even if you do not feel you were seriously injured.
- Call an experienced car accident lawyer. A car accident lawyer acts as an advocate for people injured in car accidents. Injury lawyers are particularly helpful in crashes where it is hard to determine fault because they are well-versed in causes of accidents and typically have access to accident reconstruction specialists who can help piece the accident together to prove you are telling the truth. In addition, car accident attorneys will:
- Gather evidence
- Talk with police
- Handle communication with the at-fault insurance company and their adjuster
- File paperwork
- Negotiate a settlement/represent you in court
Seek the Help of a Car Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing people injured in Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County, and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
