A motor vehicle accident can change your life in an instant, especially if you or a loved one suffers serious injuries. Unfortunately, people often lie to their insurance company after a collision to avoid responsibility. Their dishonesty complicates an already stressful situation.
If the other driver denies responsibility, you can still make a claim with their insurance company or file a personal injury lawsuit in court.
Taking pictures, reporting the accident to the police, and seeking medical attention are all important steps that help support your side of the story and build your case. You should also consult with an experienced car accident lawyer in Atlanta as soon as possible.
What If the At-Fault Driver is Lying at the Accident Scene?
When the other driver is dishonest at the scene, it’s important to stay calm. If they have already chosen to lie to law enforcement, trying to force them to change their story will likely prove futile. Also, a hostile reaction won’t help your credibility with the responding officer.
It is best to calmly tell your side of the story and then focus on other important matters. Prioritize your immediate well-being and seek necessary medical treatment. Once your health is attended to, shift your attention to documenting the accident.
Take pictures of the scene showing any vehicle damage, and collect contact information from potential witnesses. This thorough approach is the best way to disprove an inaccurate account of the accident.
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What If the At-Fault Driver Did Not Get a Citation?
The responding law enforcement officer may decide not to issue a citation to anyone. This decision is common when the evidence is unclear, and conflicting statements make it difficult to determine fault.
In such cases, the responsibility of assigning fault falls to the insurance companies representing each driver. The insurers typically engage in conversations with their policyholders and may seek recorded statements from both their client and the other involved driver. It is always best to consult with an attorney before making any statement.
The insurance companies will typically negotiate with each other to establish a consensus on how the damages will be addressed based on their individual findings of fault. However, when parties give conflicting stories, it may lead to a standoff, making legal representation crucial.
What Should I Do if the Police Report Is Inaccurate?
After a car accident, the police report is often a key piece of evidence in the resulting personal injury case. Typically, when law enforcement responds to an accident, they create an official report. This record includes vital details such as witness statements, driver accounts, vehicle positions, and sometimes a diagram of the accident scene.
Car insurance companies are generally expected to rely on the police report when determining fault, so if you notice inaccuracies in the report, swift action is necessary. Reach out to the officer who filled out the report immediately. Addressing inaccuracies is vital to maintaining the integrity of your accident claim and ensuring a fair resolution.
If you find out that the other driver has provided an inaccurate version of events to their insurance company, your attorney can use the accident report to refute their story.
How Long Do I Have to Take Legal Action?
If you’ve suffered injuries due to someone else’s negligence, you have a limited amount of time to take legal action. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is generally two years from the incident date, per GA Code § 9-3-33. Certain circumstances could shorten or extend this timeframe.
Waiting too long to take action can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation for a few reasons. Evidence may be lost, memories could fade, and the window of opportunity for taking legal action may close. Therefore, it’s essential to consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
One of our experienced attorneys can advise you of the specific deadlines applicable to your case, ensuring you file the necessary paperwork on time. Don’t let time slip away. Our team is here to evaluate your case and guide you through your next steps.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in an accident and need legal assistance, John Foy & Associates is here to help. With years of experience in personal injury law, we know how to gather evidence to establish liability and pursue the maximum compensation available.
Our seasoned car accident lawyers are ready to answer your questions and outline a strategy to recover the settlement or court award you deserve. Don’t let the other driver get away with causing your injuries. We offer free consultations, and you owe us nothing unless we win your case.
Call now or fill out the online contact form to get started.
404-400-4000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
