What to Do When the Other Driver Lies About an Accident
After a car accident in New Jersey, the other driver involved may lie about one or more details in an effort to avoid adverse consequences, such as having to pay for your damages or face penalties for serious moving violations. While it can be distressing to hear the other driver lie about your car accident, it is important to stay calm and take the right steps to protect your rights. Speak with a car accident lawyer in New Jersey today.
Don’t Argue With the Other Driver
It can be frustrating to hear the other driver lie about what happened in your car accident. However, it is essential to keep a cool head and remain as calm and polite as possible. Keep in mind that the other driver may not intentionally be telling a lie. His or her grasp on what occurred may simply differ from yours due to perspective or confusion regarding what happened.
In addition, the other driver will have been warned by his or her car insurance company or attorney not to admit fault, just as you have been. If the other driver is refusing to confess or accept the blame, therefore, do not take it personally. Do not engage in conflict with the other driver, such as a verbal or physical altercation. Instead, remove yourself from the situation and allow the police to do their job investigating the cause of the crash.
Do not accuse the other driver of lying while at the scene, even if you have evidence proving your side of the story to be true. Instead, express your concern that the other driver is not telling the whole truth to the police, your car insurance company and a personal injury attorney in New Jersey. Law enforcement and insurance companies will conduct a thorough investigation to uncover what really happened.
Involve the Police
You should always report a car accident in New Jersey to the police, even if the other driver involved is cooperating and being honest about his or her mistakes. Obtaining a police report is an important step in the claims process, as a car insurance company can use this document as evidence to prove what you are claiming.
If the other driver isn’t telling the truth about the crash, it is even more important to involve the police. Rather than dealing with the other driver directly, direct your efforts to the law enforcement officer who is investigating the collision. Be sure your version of events gets put in the police report.
Gather Evidence
If you and the other driver involved in a car accident are telling different stories, the matter will need to be further investigated to determine whose version is correct. If you know that the other driver is not telling the truth, you can corroborate your statements and support your version of events by collecting evidence, such as:
- A police accident report
- Photographs of the crash scene and the surrounding roadway
- Pictures of the inside of the other driver’s vehicle
- Surveillance footage of the car accident
- Statements from eyewitnesses and vehicle passengers
- A vehicle damage analysis by a mechanic
- Your medical records and pictures of your injuries
- A detailed account of what happened in your own words
- The other driver’s cell phone records
- The vehicle’s black box, if available
- Testimony from experts
If the evidence you collect proves that the other driver is lying, he or she could face legal consequences if these lies were told intentionally or under oath. The other driver may face insurance premium increases and even insurance fraud or perjury criminal charges, depending on the situation.
Consider Hiring a Car Accident Attorney in New Jersey
Expect a more complicated case and potential insurance issues if the other driver involved in your car accident in New Jersey is lying about what happened. Consider hiring a car accident attorney to represent you during this complex type of claim. Your lawyer can gather evidence to show that the other driver is at fault, discredit untruthful statements and maximize your recovery. Contact us today.