What to Do When the Other Driver Lies

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What to Do When the Other Driver Lies

A car accident is already a stressful and traumatic experience. Unfortunately, the situation can become even more challenging if the other driver lies or misrepresents the facts. In some cases, at-fault drivers may try to shift the blame onto you or distort the events, making it seem like you were responsible for the crash.

Facing a dishonest driver is frustrating, especially when you know you are not at fault. Under New York’s pure comparative negligence law, your compensation is tied to your share of fault in the accident. If you’re unfairly assigned a higher percentage of fault, it could reduce the amount of money you need to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.

If you’re dealing with a dishonest driver, remain calm and get help from experienced Syracuse car accident lawyers. They can help you protect your rights, build a strong and accurate case, and avoid common pitfalls.

Stay Calm and Focused

Discovering that the other driver is lying to shift blame onto you can be incredibly frustrating. It’s natural to feel angry or defensive, but staying calm and avoiding direct confrontation is crucial.

Engaging in mutual accusations with the other driver can escalate tensions, increase the likelihood of saying something you might regret, and potentially jeopardize your ability to recover fair compensation. Instead, allow professionals—such as the police, lawyers, and insurers—to channel communications.

Your focus should be on the facts. Gather as much evidence as possible to support your version of events. Clear and thorough documentation is your strongest defense against false claims and misrepresentations.

Collect Evidence at the Accident Scene

To build a strong case, the more documentation you can collect, the better your claim will be supported. Here’s what to focus on and why each piece matters.

  • Take photos and videos of the scene. As soon as you can safely do so, take clear photos and videos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, traffic signals, and any important details, such as tire marks or debris.

    Also, consider supplemental footage, such as dashcam video or recordings from nearby security cameras. They can provide additional angles and information to build your case and support your claim.
  • Speak to witnesses. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and a brief statement about what they saw. Independent accounts can be valuable in disproving any false claims.
  • Request a police report. Regardless of the severity of the crash, you should always report it to the police and get a copy of the report. The report contains an unbiased view of the accident scene alongside observations and opinions from the responding officers.
  • Seek medical attention. Request paramedics at the scene or follow up with a doctor, even if you feel fine immediately after the accident. Some injuries may not show symptoms right away. Medical records ensure your health is addressed and provide evidence of the accident’s impact, which can counter any attempts to downplay the severity of your injuries.

The Importance of Legal Representation in Disputed Claims

If you’re facing a car accident situation where the other party is being dishonest, you need reliable legal representation you can trust. The skilled Syracuse car accident lawyers at Catalano Law have the experience and resources to uncover the truth, disprove false claims, and build a strong case to protect your rights.

  • Accident Reconstruction: We can contact specialized experts, such as accident reconstruction specialists, to recreate the scene and determine how the collision occurred. This evidence can disprove false claims and establish liability.
  • Examining Existing Evidence: Our team has the expertise to analyze existing reports and evidence to identify the most relevant or compelling information to bolster your claim. We can also help you work around issues from third parties, such as errors in the police report or mistaken witness accounts, to ensure your side of the story is accurately represented.
  • Gathering Additional Evidence: Your attorney can work to secure surveillance footage, crash investigation reports, and vehicle recorder data to reinforce your account of the incident. They can also conduct formal witness interviews, gathering additional statements or crucial information to help your case.
  • Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often use tactics to reduce payouts. If the other driver is dishonest, an attorney can advocate for you, using evidence to challenge the false claims and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
  • Preparing for Potential Litigation: If negotiations break down, your case may go to court. An attorney can help you navigate this process by reviewing all evidence, guiding you through legal procedures, and preparing you to provide effective testimony if needed.

Protect Yourself From Dishonest Drivers With Support From Catalano Law

Dealing with dishonesty after a car accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Catalano Law, we understand how stressful and unfair this situation can be and are here to support you.

Our experienced Syracuse car accident lawyers are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive the compensation you need to move forward. Whether it’s uncovering the truth, building a strong case, or challenging false claims, we’re ready to fight for you.

Let us help you regain peace of mind. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.