Insurance claims are a normal part of most car accidents, and insurance companies rely on the candid honesty of drivers. If the at-fault drivers lie to the insurance company about what happened, your compensation may be at risk.
Lying to an insurance company may not only cost you the financial compensation you rightfully deserve, but it may constitute a serious criminal offense. Insurance fraud is not taken lightly by the authorities. If you believe the at-fault driver is lying to the insurance company, tell your attorney immediately. They may help you sue the other driver, prove the fraud, and get you the compensation you need.
Receive a confidential case review at no cost by calling our Dallas car accident lawyers at The Queenan Law Firm at (817) 476-1797.
What if the Other Driver Lies to the Insurance Company After a Texas Car Accident?
The at-fault driver has a lot to lose after an accident, and they might lie to the insurance company to try to avoid accountability. If this happens, hire a lawyer immediately if you have not done so already.
Your Claim Could Be Denied
If the at-fault driver lies about how the accident happened, your claim could be denied. Texas is a fault-based state when it comes to car accident insurance claims, and drivers usually must file claims with the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. The at-fault driver may lie to avoid an increase in their insurance rates. They might even file a claim with your insurance and claim that you are the at-fault driver.
Delayed Claims
Even if your claim is not denied, and the truth eventually comes out, your compensation from the insurance company may be delayed. While this is not the worst possible outcome, delayed compensation can be a serious problem for drivers who are in financial distress. You might have medical bills and vehicle repair bills to pay, all while you cannot work due to your injuries.
Other Legal Options?
If the other driver lies to the insurance, your attorney should help you start exploring alternative legal options. Your claim could be reduced or denied due to the other driver’s misrepresentations, and our Grand Prairie, TX car accident lawyers must be prepared with a legal backup plan. You may sue the other driver to make them pay for your damages, or you might have other insurance options that do not involve the other driver, like certain first-party claims.
How Do I Prove the At-Fault Driver Lied to Insurance After an Accident?
You may be able to prove that the other driver is lying in several ways, depending on the circumstances. If you need help, do not hesitate to contact an attorney for legal support.
Dashcam Footage
Dashcams are a relatively recent technological invention that record video footage of the road while a vehicle is moving. Many dashcams are mounted on a car’s dashboard, but they can also be mounted on the rear windshield and record activity behind the car. Dashcam videos can serve as evidence in car accident cases and are often difficult for negligent drivers to dispute.
Witness Testimony
Other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians who might have witnessed the accident may provide valuable testimony. If enough people can provide testimony or statements that contradict the at-fault driver’s dishonest statements, the insurance company might choose to believe you over them.
Police Reports
The police often investigate car accidents, especially if they involve injuries or death. While police reports are typically inadmissible in court because they violate the rule against hearsay, we may show them to an insurance company. In fact, insurance companies often request to see copies of official police reports.
In some cases, the police include their own conclusions and opinions about how the accident happened and who is likely responsible. This information can be extremely helpful if the other driver lies to the insurance company about the accident.
FAQs About What to Do if the At-Fault Party Lies to Insurance After a Texas Auto Accident
What Should I Do if the At-Fault Driver is Lying to Insurance About the Accident?
Tell your attorney about the other driver’s dishonesty immediately. They may be able to gather evidence and prove to the insurance company that the other driver is lying. Alternatively, if your claim is denied because of the other driver’s dishonesty, your attorney can help you sue them.
How Do I Prove the Other Driver is Lying to Insurance?
We need evidence to prove that the other driver is lying. This may include testimony from you and other witnesses, police reports, dashcam videos, and more. Remember, the evidence we present to the insurance company does not have to meet the same strict rules as the evidence we show in court.
Should I Sue the Other Driver if They Are Lying to Insurance?
Maybe. If we cannot prove to the insurance company that the other driver is lying, we may need to file a lawsuit against them to prove the truth in court. Sometimes, the threat of a lawsuit is enough to make the other driver tell the truth.
What Damages Can I Claim in a Lawsuit if the Other Driver Lied to Insurance?
You may claim damages from the car accident, including property damage, medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages for pain and suffering. You may also claim damages you incurred because of the at-fault driver’s dishonesty. For example, you can claim damages for your legal fees if you would not have sued if not for the other driver lying.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me if the At-Fault Driver is Lying to Insurance?
An attorney can work to prove the at-fault driver’s lies as soon as possible. In some cases, lawyers can prove the truth to the insurance company before it denies the claim. In others, they may prove the truth in court. Either way, your attorney can help you get fair compensation despite the other driver’s lies.
How Can I Prevent the Other Driver from Lying About the Accident to Insurance?
The best way to stop the at-fault driver from lying to the insurance company about the accident is to gather as much evidence from the accident as possible. Start gathering evidence immediately after the accident if you can. Otherwise, evidence may disappear before we can find it, and the other driver might get away with lying.
Contact Our Texas Car Accident Lawyers for Legal Support
Receive a confidential case review at no cost by calling our Texas car accident lawyers at The Queenan Law Firm at (817) 476-1797.