What to Do If the At-Fault Driver Lied to Their Insurance Company After a Car Accident in California
You were involved in a car accident. You know the other driver caused the crash. But now, they’re denying responsibility — or worse, lying to their insurance company. Suddenly, you’re facing a version of the story that’s completely different from what actually happened.
If you're in this position, you’re not alone. False claims happen more often than people think, and they can seriously impact your ability to recover compensation. The good news? With the right evidence and legal support, lies don’t have to stand in the way of your recovery.
Here’s what to do if the at-fault driver isn’t telling the truth — and how a personal injury lawyer can help set the record straight.
Why Do Drivers Lie After an Accident?
There are many reasons why someone might lie after a crash:
- To avoid paying higher insurance premiums
- To shift blame and avoid liability
- To cover up illegal behavior (like distracted or impaired driving)
- Because they panicked or misunderstood what actually happened
- Because they think it’s just “their word against yours”
Insurance companies know this happens — but they often still lean toward minimizing payouts, especially when fault is unclear. That’s why it’s critical to take action early.
Common Signs the At-Fault Driver May Be Lying
Not sure if the other driver is being dishonest? Here are some red flags:
- They give a completely different version of events to the insurer or police
- They deny obvious facts (like running a red light or failing to yield)
- They change their story over time
- They try to avoid calling the police or filing a report
- They deny making statements that you clearly remember
- They claim injuries or damages that contradict the physical evidence
If something feels off, it probably is — and it’s time to start building your own case.
What to Do If the Other Driver Lies to Their Insurance Company
Lies can derail a claim quickly, but there are important steps you can take to protect yourself and establish what really happened:
- Get a copy of the police report.
If law enforcement responded to the crash, their report may include diagrams, statements, and preliminary fault assessments. - Preserve all evidence.
Take detailed photos of the scene, damage to all vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and anything else that can support your version of events. - Look for video footage.
Dash cams, traffic cameras, or nearby business security cameras may have recorded the crash. - Talk to witnesses.
Eyewitness statements can provide independent support, especially when the other driver’s story doesn’t match the facts. - Document your injuries.
Seek prompt medical attention and keep records of all diagnoses, treatment plans, and out-of-pocket expenses. - Avoid giving a statement to the other party’s insurance.
Let your attorney handle any communication with insurers to avoid being misquoted or manipulated. - Consult with a personal injury lawyer.
An attorney can step in to protect your rights, investigate the facts, and help you challenge false claims effectively.
Can You Still Win Your Case If the Other Driver Lies?
Yes — but it requires building a strong case with clear, compelling evidence. While insurance companies don’t automatically take one side over the other, they often lean toward denying or undervaluing claims when there are conflicting stories.
That’s where legal representation is essential. An experienced personal injury attorney can:
- Investigate the facts and preserve key evidence
- Request dash cam or traffic footage if available
- Analyze the property damage to determine the mechanism and angle of the collision
- Subpoena phone records, GPS data, or third-party testimony when necessary
- Consult accident reconstruction experts to support your version of events
- Challenge inconsistencies and expose credibility issues in the other driver’s account
- Handle all communication with insurers to ensure nothing is misrepresented
The physical damage to the vehicles alone can often tell the story. A skilled legal team can help interpret that damage and build a case rooted in facts, not fiction.
How a Lawyer Gives You the Upper Hand
When you're dealing with dishonesty, you’re also up against a system that may not be quick to believe you. Insurance companies are trained to look for ways to pay as little as possible. Without legal representation, it can be hard to push back effectively.
A lawyer can:
- Take over the entire communication process
- Ensure your injuries and losses are properly documented
- Negotiate directly with insurers using verified evidence
- Prepare your case for litigation if the insurance company refuses to be fair
- Help you stay focused on recovery while they handle the legal fight
Most importantly, a lawyer is equipped to turn a "he said, she said" situation into a well-supported claim based on evidence.
When the Truth Matters, Get Help That Does Too
Being injured is hard enough. Being lied about makes it worse. But you don’t have to accept someone else’s false story — or let it damage your right to fair compensation.
If you’re facing a dishonest at-fault driver and need help proving the truth, we’re here to stand by your side.
Call Lawyer Gigi today for a free consultation.
We’ll investigate what really happened, fight back against false statements, and protect your right to recover.
