Posted on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 at 9:00 am
It would be nice if everyone always told the truth in Georgia car accident cases. Unfortunately, people sometimes lie to avoid paying for another driver’s injuries after a crash. Lying about an accident becomes a problem when someone’s lies keep you from recovering fair compensation. This issue raises a natural question: Can you sue someone for lying about a car accident?
The short answer is yes, you can sue another driver if they lied about a crash. Proving the other driver lied can be difficult, so you’ll need a lawyer’s help. Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. can help if you’re in this situation, and you can learn more about this issue below.
Why Do Drivers Lie About Georgia Car Accidents?
There are many reasons why a Georgia might lie about their role in a car accident, such as:
- Fear of Legal Consequences: If drivers know they caused the accident, they might lie to avoid facing a lawsuit or potential legal penalties.
- Protecting Their Driving Record: A driver may lie to prevent points from being added to their license or to avoid a possible suspension.
- Insurance Fraud: In some cases, drivers lie to commit insurance fraud. They may hope to receive compensation or benefits they don’t deserve.
- Influence of Drugs or Alcohol: Intoxicated drivers may lie to hide the fact they were impaired when the accident happened.
- Not Having Insurance: Uninsured drivers might lie to avoid admitting they were illegally driving without insurance at the time of the accident.
How Do You Prove the At-Fault Driver Lied to an Insurance Company?
You can’t prove the other driver lied about the crash without compelling evidence to support your claim. Some types of evidence your lawyer can use to prove the at-fault driver lied include:
- Witness Statements: Eyewitnesses can directly dispute the at-fault driver’s story. For example, if the driver claims they stopped at a red light but a witness saw them speed through, the witness’s account proves the lie. Witnesses might also verify whether the driver was texting, swerving, or driving recklessly before the crash.
- Surveillance Footage: Traffic or surveillance cameras may have recorded the events before and during the crash. If the driver denies using their phone, but the video shows them glancing down or holding a device, that footage can confirm they were distracted. Video can also reveal reckless driving or failure to obey traffic signals.
- Cellphone Records: Cellphone calls and text logs can help show whether a driver was distracted by their phone when a crash happened. For example, suppose the at-fault driver says they weren’t texting, but records show they sent a message just before the accident. This evidence would directly contradict the other driver’s claim.
- Police Reports: The information in a crash report can expose a lying driver’s falsehoods. For example, if a driver denies speeding but the officer finds skid marks consistent with high speeds, it weakens the driver’s account.
- Accident Reconstruction Experts: Experts can use evidence like vehicle damage patterns, skid marks, and road conditions to demonstrate how another driver lied. For example, if a driver insists they were sideswiped but expert analysis shows a rear-end impact, those findings expose the lie.
What Are My Legal Options If Someone Hit My Car and Denying It
Can you sue someone for lying about a car accident in Georgia? If someone hits your car and denies responsibility, you still have several legal options to pursue compensation. First, gather as much evidence as possible at the scene. Take photos of the damage, note the accident location, and collect eyewitness contact information. This documentation can support your version of events and help prove who caused the crash.
Next, you can file an insurance claim, even if the other driver denies fault. Your insurer may investigate the accident to determine who should pay for your injuries and other losses. If the evidence supports your case, your insurance company can negotiate with the other driver’s insurer on your behalf.
If the insurance companies cannot agree or the other driver’s denials persist, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. A car accident lawsuit lets you present evidence to a judge or jury to prove the other driver’s responsibility. You can overcome the driver’s denial and seek fair compensation with strong witness statements, video footage, or expert analysis.
Contact a Georgia Car Accident Attorney Now
It’s frustrating when another driver lies about a crash to deny you compensation for your injuries. The Georgia car accident lawyers of Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. understand your frustration and can help you hold the other driver accountable. Call (770) 205-8827 or complete our contact form for a free consultation. Our lawyers have the legal capacity and proven record of success to handle your case.
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