Does It Matter if the Other Party Lies About Who Was Driving in the Accident?
If the other party lies about who was driving at the time of the accident, that is a very serious matter. The person may face legal consequences, including potential insurance fraud.
If the other driver makes false statements about what happened to cause the accident, whether it is about driving the vehicle or some other lie, you should seek legal advice right away.
In California, a driver found at-fault for an accident through negligence is liable for paying the medical expenses and lost wages, as well as for possible pain and suffering, if the victim files a personal injury lawsuit. Some unscrupulous people simply lie about who was driving or what caused the accident to make it appear as though they were not at-fault. There are also drivers who were hurt in the crash and may end up with injuries causing them to not remember the accident or answer initial questions incoherently.
A Los Angeles car accident lawyer at Ellis Injury Law will protect your rights and thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident to support your claim about who was driving the other vehicle.
What to do after a car accident
If possible, always document the scene of the accident thoroughly. Photos taken immediately after the crash are powerful evidence and can prove the other party is lying about who was driving or other issues. Take photos of all of the vehicles involved, including the license plates for identification, and the damage each car incurred. Get pictures of anything relating to the accident, such as skid marks, property damage, debris, and the like. Also photograph or video any injuries suffered.
Obtain the driver’s license number and insurance information of the other driver, along with their name, address, and contact information. Also, get the names and contact information for any witnesses to the crash.
When the police arrive, tell the officers exactly what happened from your perspective. Do not admit fault. Make sure to tell them which individual you believe was driving the other vehicle if there was more than one person in the other car. Give the police as much detail as possible, as this can help your claim if another party does not tell the truth. In the near future, you will tell others about the accident, including healthcare providers, the insurance company, and your lawyer. Just stick to the facts, do not embellish, and remain consistent.
Always seek prompt medical attention, even if you do not think you were hurt at the time. Failing to do so can harm your claim.
Contact the insurance company
You must contact the insurance company as soon as possible after the accident. However, if you were seriously injured, it is wise to contact an attorney beforehand who can advise you on what to say and what not to say to the insurance adjuster. The insurance company may use anything you say against you, and if there is a great contradiction between what one driver says and what the other relates –especially if regards who was behind the wheel –your lawyer should join in on the call.
Getting to the truth
Attorneys have many tools at their disposal to ascertain the facts behind a car accident. That is why time is of the essence when it comes to obtaining legal counsel. The attorney will secure any relevant surveillance video footage, review the police and medical reports, interview eyewitnesses, visit the accident scene, and hire an accident reconstructionist to bolster the client’s claim.
If the case goes to trial, the judge or jury will determine who is at fault based on the evidence presented, as well as the credibility of those involved. If one party has changed their story, that harms their credibility significantly.
Contact a Los Angeles car accident lawyer
If the other driver lies about the circumstances of a car crash, contact an experienced Los Angeles car accident lawyer at Ellis Injury Law. We offer free consultations. You can arrange an appointment by using our online contact form or calling 24/7. After reviewing your case, we can begin the investigation process. We work on a contingency basis, so there is no fee unless we win. Ellis Law is on your side.