Car accidents are stressful situations, and they can be further complicated by a driver who provides inaccurate information after an accident or lies about the circumstances surrounding the cause of the accident. When someone lies in the aftermath, your already frustrating situation takes a complicated turn as you face the reality of insurance disputes, legal challenges, and increasing personal stress. Despite the challenges that come from making a motor vehicle accident claim when dealing with a liar, there are steps you can take to ensure your rights are protected.
Ensure Safety and Document the Scene
There are concrete steps to take in the event of a motor accident. The first step is to ensure everyone is safe and uninjured. If there are any injuries, you need to contact emergency services immediately. If nobody is injured you can report it to the police later. However, documenting the accident is a must because even if the other driver decides to lie, you can point to your supporting evidence to support your story. That means taking clear photos of all the vehicles involved, the scene itself and the conditions, including weather, traffic signals, and road signs.
You should take a moment to record any details you can remember, the fresher your memory, the better. Be sure to include information about the other driver’s statements and behaviour. Additionally, collect witness details if there are any, witnesses can corroborate the events if there’s a battle of motor vehicle accident claims, and motor vehicle lawyers must get involved.
Exchange Information and Call the Police
Always exchange personal details with the other driver, even if they are already distancing themselves from fault. Be sure they include their insurance information. If the other driver is already lying, the quicker you report the accident to the police, the better. You need a Police Event number for your motor vehicle accident compensation claim anyway, and an official record of your accident will support your claim. It’s a must-have when it comes to ensuring a speedy claims process, but it will serve an even more important role if you need to enlist the services of motor accident lawyers for legal proceedings.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider immediately to report the car accident because they will explain the claims process and help you stay on course, even if the other driver starts or continues their lies. They may conduct an independent investigation to assess the evidence and determine liability. While your car insurance might cover damages regardless of the other driver’s lies, Australia’s Compulsory Third-Party scheme may help in the case of disputes.
Gathering and Presenting Evidence
Evidence is everything, especially if you need the services of motor vehicle accident lawyers in Sydney to fight your case. Gather all the photos, videos, dash cam footage, witness statements, witness contact information, and if possible, CCTV footage. All of this will serve as evidence as your lawyer tries to resolve the dispute, whether you’re going to court or a lawyer is supporting you through a tense claim or settlement discussions.
What to Do if the Other Driver’s Insurance Refuses to Accept Responsibility
If the other driver is refusing responsibility or claiming your side of the story is inaccurate, their insurance company will likely complete an independent investigation the same way yours could. Whether the other driver lies or not, if you took the proper steps after the accident, you have the necessary evidence and enlisting a motor accident lawyer in Sydney will let them fight on your behalf and will deal with the other driver’s insurance company.
If the claim can’t be resolved through the regular channels, a claims adjustor or independent assessor can get involved.
Legal Steps You Can Take
It’s always a good idea to retain the services of a lawyer after a car accident, but it’s particularly important if there’s a dispute over liability or if it’s obvious the other driver won’t admit fault. This could impair your ability to recover damages, and a lawyer will handle the fight on your behalf, which is important if you are dealing with significant damages, or injuries, or struggling to get an answer from the other driver’s insurance company.
A motor accident lawyer will review the evidence and help you with negotiations. If an agreement can’t be made, your lawyer will represent you in a lawsuit against the other driver and represent you in court to ensure adequate compensation to cover your injuries and property damages.
Understanding the Role of Compulsory Third-Party (CTP) Insurance in Australia
CTP Insurance provides coverage when you’ve been injured in a motor accident, but there’s a dispute over who is at fault. This state-based scheme will still cover you, even if the other driver is lying about the events surrounding the accident. This is often what covers drivers in accidents with uninsured drivers, but it can even cover you if you are at fault.
CTP Insurance has been crucial for drivers pursuing a personal injury claim and it could be a time and cost-saver when it comes to handling a complex insurance dispute.
The Importance of Staying Calm and Professional
Whilst car accidents are intensely frustrating, often people react to their initial intense emotions, with fear manifesting itself as anger and upset. As difficult as it might be, try to remain as calm as possible while interacting with the other driver, even if they were obviously at fault and they’re lying about it. Be calm, be polite, and try to be professional to reduce the risk of confrontation. You don’t want to escalate the situation, and a level head will leave you better placed when dealing with police, witnesses, and insurance adjusters.
Protect Your Rights and Seek Legal Help If Necessary
Car accidents are terrifying, and the aftermath is stressful, especially if you’re dealing with a dishonest driver on the other side of the insurance claim. These clear steps will help you protect yourself and ensure the situation is resolved as quickly as possible. Reach out to an experienced motor vehicle accident lawyer if you’re dealing with false claims and struggling to get compensation. AJB Stevens operates on a no-win, no-fee basis and has a background in securing motor vehicle accident claims.
