What To Do When the At-Fault Driver Lies to Their Insurance Company

When determining what to do if at fault lies to their insurance company after they cause a Fort Myers car accident, it can feel overwhelming and stressful. Acting quickly is crucial to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation. In Lee County, car accidents result in $13.95 billion in costs annually, highlighting the importance of addressing false claims effectively. There are steps you can take to combat these lies.

Insurance fraud costs U.S. consumers $308.6 billion each year, with approximately 1 in 3 people believing they’ve been victims of fraud. This often leads to increased insurance premiums. Knowing what to do if at fault lies to their insurance company after they cause a Fort Myers car accident can help you avoid these challenges and safeguard your interests.

Key Takeaways

• Take action fast after a crash. Collect proof like police reports, pictures, and witness accounts to back up your claim.

• Tell your insurance company right away if the other driver lies. Give them all your evidence so they can manage your case well.

• Think about hiring a lawyer. They can guide you and help you get fair payment.

Check and Fix the Police Report

Get and Read the Police Report

After a car crash, get the police report right away. This report explains what happened, including what the officer saw and what people said. It may also list traffic violations, showing who caused the crash. The report is neutral and trusted, making it useful for insurance claims or court cases. You can ask for a copy from the police department that came to the scene. Read it carefully to make sure everything is correct.

Fix Mistakes in the Report

Errors in the report can hurt your case. If you find mistakes, fix them quickly. Talk to the officer who wrote it and explain what’s wrong. Share proof like photos, videos, or witness statements to support your claim. For instance, if the report has the wrong crash location or mixes up the cars, it could affect who is blamed. Making sure the report is accurate helps you when dealing with insurance.

Give More Evidence to the Police

Sometimes, the first report might miss important details. You can give extra evidence to the police to update it. This could include dashcam videos, security footage, or new witness accounts. Adding this information helps explain what really happened. A clear and complete report can help solve problems with the other driver’s insurance company.

Gather Evidence to Support Your Claim

Take Photos and Videos at the Scene

Photos and videos are very important for showing what happened. Use your phone or camera to take pictures from different angles. Focus on where the cars are, skid marks, and any damage. Take close-ups of injuries or dangerous things like broken glass. Experts say to take these pictures right after the crash for accuracy.

 Take pictures of the weather and lighting during the crash. These details can help explain what happened.

Collect Witness Statements

Witnesses can share what they saw without taking sides. Talk to people who saw the crash and get their contact information. If they agree, write down or record what they say. Witness stories can make your case stronger by supporting your version of events.

 Ask witnesses to explain what they saw step by step. Have them mention anything unusual about the other driver.

Obtain Dashcam or Surveillance Footage

Dashcam or security camera videos can show exactly what happened. Check if your car or another car has a dashcam. Look for nearby cameras at businesses or homes that might have recorded the crash. This kind of video can quickly clear up disagreements.

Keep Records of Medical and Repair Expenses

Save all bills and receipts for medical care and car repairs. Keep records of costs for medicine and therapy too. These documents show how much the accident cost you. They help make sure you get paid fairly for all your losses.

By collecting strong evidence, you improve your chances of winning your claim.

Notify Your Insurance Company About the Lies

Tell Your Insurance and Share Proof

Call your insurance company as soon as you learn the at-fault driver lied. Insurance companies use early reports to handle claims. Acting fast gives them the right details. Share all your proof, like police reports, photos, and witness stories. These items help show the truth and fight false claims. For instance, pictures of the crash and medical records can show how bad the damage and injuries are.

Waiting too long to report can hurt your case. Act quickly to protect yourself.

Don’t Talk to the At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

The at-fault driver’s insurance might ask you for a statement. Don’t talk to them directly. They want to pay less and could twist your words. Let your insurance or lawyer handle these talks. This keeps things clear and protects you. If you must answer, stick to facts and don’t guess.

If the at-fault driver’s insurer pushes you, politely say no and send them to your legal representative.

Keep Track of All Insurance Conversations

Write down every chat with your insurance company. Save emails, note phone calls, and record dates and times. These notes help you follow your claim and spot lies from the at-fault driver. Organized records make solving problems easier if the other side keeps lying.

Use a folder or app to keep all claim papers in one place.

Work with a Lawyer to Make Your Case Stronger

Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer

If the at-fault driver lies, a lawyer can help. Car accident lawyers know how to handle tricky insurance claims. They can look at your case, find strong evidence, and guide you on what to do next.

Many people get better results with legal help. For example:

• A lawyer got full payment for a client’s injuries and lost pay.

• In another case, a lawyer proved fault in court, winning big money for the victim.

By working with a lawyer, you get expert advice to improve your chances of winning.

Learn How a Lawyer Can Help You

A lawyer knows how to fight false claims with proof. They can gather police reports, talk to witnesses, and find experts to back up your story.

For example, your lawyer might collect photos, videos, and witness accounts. They can also check road conditions to show what really happened. With their help, you can focus on healing while they handle the hard legal work.

Get Ready for Possible Legal Action

If the insurance company won’t pay, you may need to sue. Start by keeping all papers, like medical bills and repair costs, in one place. A good claim should tell your story clearly and include proof of your losses.

Your lawyer will help explain the law and build your case. Together, you can plan the best way to win. Being ready makes it easier to take action if needed.

Understand How Insurance Companies Handle Disputes

Know How Claims Are Investigated

Insurance companies check claims carefully to avoid fraud. Fraud costs the U.S. over $40 billion every year. Investigators use tools to check if claims are real.

• They watch videos and talk to witnesses.

• They study police reports and medical records.

• They check for mistakes or false information in the evidence.

At the end, they write a report with their findings. This report helps decide if your claim is valid. Knowing this process shows why strong proof is important to protect yourself.

 Clear and correct evidence can make the process faster and help your case.

Send Your Evidence Quickly

Sending your proof fast makes your claim stronger. Include photos, police reports, and witness stories. These items explain what happened clearly.

• Pictures of the crash and damage are very helpful.

• Medical records show how serious your injuries are.

Organize everything before sending it. This helps the insurance company review your claim faster.

Make a list of all the proof you need. This helps you remember everything important.

Look Into Legal Steps if Your Claim is Rejected or Delayed

Report to Your State’s Insurance Department

If your claim is rejected or delayed, report it to your state’s insurance department. Each state has a group that checks if insurance companies follow rules. Share your story and include proof like repair bills or the police report. They will check if the insurance company treated you unfairly. This often makes the company fix your claim faster.

Think About Suing for False Information

If the other driver lies about the crash, it could be fraud. You might sue them to hold them responsible and get money back. A lawyer can help show the driver lied on purpose to avoid blame. Courts take these cases seriously, especially if the lies caused you money problems. Strong proof like photos, witness accounts, and medical records can make your case stronger.

Try Arbitration or Mediation to Solve Problems

Arbitration or mediation is quicker and cheaper than going to court. These methods help settle problems without long legal fights. For example:

• Mediation in one case cost $25,000, while court costs were $2.5 million.

• Arbitration keeps things private, protecting reputations from public attention.

You and the insurance company explain your sides to a neutral person. They help both sides agree on a solution. This saves time and stress, making it a good way to handle car accident claims.

You can still protect yourself if the at-fault driver lies. Collecting strong proof and getting legal advice can help your case. This increases your chances of getting fair payment. Insurance fraud costs Americans $308.6 billion every year. Auto insurers lose $29 billion yearly from premium mistakes. These facts show why acting fast is so important.

Talking to a car accident lawyer gives you expert help. Lawyers know how to handle tricky claims and fight false stories. They can help you get the money you deserve. Don’t wait—take steps now to protect your rights and get fair compensation.

If you have been injured in a car accident and need an attorney, call our Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Estero, Bonita Springs, and Naples Auto Accident Lawyers at Pittman Law Firm, P.L. today for a free consultation.

FAQ

What can you do if the other driver denies the crash?

Collect proof like pictures, videos, and witness accounts. Give this evidence to your insurance company to prove your side and challenge the denial.

Can you still get money if the other driver lies?

Yes, you can. Strong proof and help from a lawyer improve your chances of getting fair payment even if they lie.

How long does it take to settle problems with insurance?

It depends. Easy cases might finish in weeks. Harder ones with lies or court may take months or more.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship.