What to do if the at-fault driver lied to insurance
Car Accident - February 12, 2024 by Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Chicago, you may be physically and financially overwhelmed. The process can be complicated, from dealing with injuries to navigating insurance claims, especially if the at-fault driver has been dishonest with the insurance company. If you suspect the at-fault driver lied to the insurance company, you need the help of a Chicago car accident lawyer from Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates.
What are possible reasons the at-fault driver lied about the accident?
The at-fault driver may lie about a car accident in Chicago for a variety of reasons, including:
- Fear of obtaining a traffic citation
- To protect their insurance rates
- To avoid being dropped by their car insurance company
- To minimize the compensation they’re required to pay for your injuries
- To protect their reputation
- Memory distortion or cognitive biases
- Intentional deception to avoid responsibility
- Fear of being sued in a civil lawsuit
What should I do if the other driver lied about the accident?
You should take the following steps if believe the other driver is lying about your car accident:
- Gather evidence: You must collect as much evidence as possible to support your claim.
- Provide accurate information: When communicating with the insurance company, avoid making false statements or exaggerating the extent of your injuries because this can undermine your credibility and damage your case.
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of all communication with the insurance company, document any discrepancies or inconsistencies in the at-fault driver’s version of events, and provide this information to your Chicago car accident attorney.
- Consult with an attorney: An experienced car accident attorney at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates can review the details of your accident, hire professionals who can help support your claim, and communicate with the insurance company on your behalf to advocate for your best interests.
- Seek legal recourse: If the at-fault driver’s lies result in a denial of your claim or an unsatisfactory settlement offer from the insurance company, we can help you explore your legal options, such as filing a personal injury lawsuit.
- Be patient: Dealing with the other driver’s insurance company can be frustrating when that driver is lying, but it’s essential to remain patient and let us work diligently to build a strong case on your behalf and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What evidence can help you prove the at-fault driver is lying about the accident to the insurance company?
The following evidence can help you establish what happened in a car accident if the other driver is lying:
- Testimony from eyewitnesses who saw the accident
- Photos or videos of the accident scene, damaged vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs
- A recording of the 911 call that may include a description of how the accident happened
- Police reports outlining the officer’s observations and conclusions
- Medical records documenting your injuries and treatment
- Accident reconstructionist testimony analyzing the physical evidence from the scene, vehicle damage, and witness statement to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to the accident
- Social media posts or photos posted by the at-fault driver that may contradict their claims about the accident or their injuries
- Prior incidents or traffic violations challenging the at-fault driver’s credibility and demonstrating a pattern of negligent behavior
- Recorded statements made by the at-fault driver containing inconsistencies or contradictions
- Expert witness testimony supporting your version of events and discredits the at-fault driver’s claims
- Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
How can I get a copy of your police report in Chicago?
To obtain a copy of the police report regarding your Chicago car accident, you can submit a request online, via mail, or in person from the Chicago Police Department (CPD) Records Division. There is a $5.00 fee for each copy of a Traffic Crash Report and a $20.00 fee for an accident reconstruction report.
What if I was partly responsible for my Chicago car accident?
If you were partly at fault for your accident, it’s okay. Chicago follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means you’re still eligible to recover damages for the injuries you sustained in your collision if you’re less than 50% at fault. The amount you recover will be reduced in proportion to the percentage of your responsibility.
Who should you contact if the at-fault driver is lying about your car accident?
Dealing with a dishonest driver who lied to the insurance company can be challenging but not impossible to overcome. Arrange a meeting with our car accident lawyers at Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates to discuss how we can gather all relevant evidence for your case, maximize your chances of holding the negligent party responsible, and obtain financial recovery for your damages. Call us at (800) 985-1819 for a free consultation today.
