You cannot generally sue someone for lying about a car accident. However, if you or your attorney can prove that someone is lying about a collision you were involved in, it could undermine their credibility and help your case. A Florida car accident lawyer may use several forms of evidence to prove the lying party is being dishonest.
Though you may not be able to (or may not choose to) sue someone who lied about your accident, your lawyer may compel them to pay for your accident-related damages.
How a Car Accident Lawyer May Prove Someone Is Lying About Your Collision
It can be frustrating to know that the at-fault driver or another party is lying about your car accident, especially when you’re not sure how to prove they are being dishonest. Hiring a lawyer to disprove their lies is a strong start.
Your Florida personal injury lawyer may be able to prove your version of events is accurate (while the at-fault party’s is not) using compelling evidence, such as:
- Eyewitness statements that confirm how the collision occurred
- Contradictory statements from the lying party (they might have given one account to a law enforcement officer and another to an insurance adjuster, for example)
- Video of the accident
- The official police report
- Various other types of evidence that show the lying party is being deceptive
If a car accident witness’s account contradicts that of a motorist involved in the accident, this alone could be critical. A car accident witness lying is unlikley, while a motorist involved in the accident has several potential reasons to be dishonest.
At-Fault Parties May Lie to Avoid Financial Liability (and Other Consequences)
In most cases, someone will make false statements about a car accident because lying serves them in some way. Generally, it’s financially advantageous for the person who is being dishonest.
The at-fault driver may have a clear incentive to lie about your accident. They may choose dishonesty to avoid:
Paying Higher Insurance Premiums
AAA notes that a driver’s monthly insurance premiums could increase by as much as $800 or more per month following a collision. The increase may depend on:
- The driver’s history of causing (or not causing) accidents
- The driver’s age, as high-risk drivers may see more dramatic insurance rate increases
- The details of the accident
Most drivers know that the more accidents they cause, the more they will pay for auto insurance. This realization may lead an at-fault motorist to blame you for the collision, even if it wasn’t your fault.
Being Sued for the Accident
Though it does not always occur to an at-fault driver immediately, some will recognize that they can be personally liable for an accident they cause. If the motorist who caused your accident wants to avoid a lawsuit, it may lead them to lie about how the collision occurred (and likely blame you for the accident).
Accruing Points on Their License
When a motorist receives points on their driver’s license, they:
- Face higher insurance premiums as a direct result of the points
- Risk having their driving privileges suspended (if and when they accrue more points, or if they already have many points accrued in a specific timeframe)
- May have their license revoked (if they already have many points on their license)
A motorist who knows they are at risk of these or other points-related consequences may feel compelled to deny fault and lie about the accident.
Facing Criminal Charges
Some of the most well-documented causes of traffic accidents—speeding, impairment, and texting while driving, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)—are all against the law.
If someone engages in criminal behavior that contributes to an accident, they may lie about how the accident happened to avoid possible legal consequences. However, lying about the accident may also lead to charges for crimes such as defamation or fraud.
Your Attorney Will Vindicate Your Position and Fight for the Money You Deserve
When your car accident attorney proves another party is making false claims, they also prove your version of the accident. This is one of several ways in which your lawyer will help your car accident claim, and their duties will likely also include:$
- Securing all relevant evidence from the accident
- Documenting your damages with medical records and other proof of harm
- Negotiating for a fair settlement on your behalf
- Representing you in all necessary legal proceedings
An insurance company representative might even accuse you of lying, or at least imply that you are not being truthful. For instance, an adjuster might say you are lying about injuries suffered in a car accident, in which case your attorney will present medical records proving you are not.
A personal injury attorney is a protector, advisor, and counselor who will manage every detail of your case.
Damages You May Deserve Compensation for After a Car Accident
Though you cannot necessarily sue someone for lying, you should expect to secure fair compensation for accident-related damages. Some of those damages may include:
- Healthcare expenses
- Pain and suffering
- The cost of mental health services
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- The cost of any necessary medications and medical equipment
Some car accidents can even be fatal, in which case our Florida wrongful death lawyers will fight tirelessly for you and any other loved ones affected by the accident. A fatal car accident case may involve many damages, including:
- Economic damages: Loss of the decedent’s income, funeral costs, medical bills, and loss of the decedent’s household services are all economic forms of harm.
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering from a fatal accident can include grief, loss of consortium, and depression.
Our attorneys identify our clients’ damages, document them, and fight for a fair financial recovery.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Today for Your Free Consultation About Hiring a Florida Car Accident Attorney
Our firm’s case results are substantial, and many of them have helped car accident victims secure the compensation they needed for medical care and other damages. Our compassionate team prioritizes our clients’ satisfaction.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato today for your free, no-obligation consultation about hiring a Florida car accident attorney.
