When the Other Motorist Lies to the Insurance Company

Kansas is a no-fault insurance state, which means that every Kansas automobile policy requires no-fault coverage (personal injury protection benefits), pursuant to which an injured motorist can file a claim through their own policy regardless of who caused a crash. Nonetheless, if another driver has negligently caused your injuries (in both Missouri and Kansas), the other driver can be held liable for the bodily injuries that they have caused you.

It’s no surprise that negligent drivers are not always forthright about what they were doing at the time of a crash (for example, using their cell phones or speeding). If the driver who causes a crash lies to avoid liability, an injured victim might need to take several steps to protect their claim. One of the most critical steps that a person can take is to review their accident claim with a knowledgeable accident attorney. If you believe that the driver who caused your crash is lying or attempting to distort facts to the insurance carrier, consider the following.

Details Drivers Commonly Lie About To The Insurance Company

The most common reason motorists lie about accidents is to attempt to avoid liability for any damages incurred in the crash. Some motorists are dishonest with law enforcement to avoid facing tickets or getting arrested. In these situations, responsible drivers lie about things like:

Following other vehicles too closely
Whether they have consumed alcohol or drugs
Operating a vehicle while distracted
Running traffic signals
Speeding
Texting while driving

Some negligent drivers even lie about mechanical failures (for example, “my brakes weren’t working”), particularly if a driver slams into the back of a vehicle where a fault might be obvious.

How to Protect Yourself From Drivers Who Lie About Accidents

Fortunately, accident victims can take some steps to establish credibility. This way, you can make sure that you are protected even if the other driver attempts to lie about how an accident occurred:

Remain calm and avoid trying to confront the other driver about their lies. Instead, speak to law enforcement about the crash and provide your version of how things happened.
Try to speak with witnesses who saw the accident and obtain their contact information. Eyewitnesses to the crash can help corroborate your version of how the crash occurred.
Collect evidence at the accident scene including photographs of road conditions, applicable traffic signs, and signals, the damage is done to property and vehicles, skid marks on the road, and any other details helpful in establishing how the accident occurred.
When you provide statements to law enforcement and insurance carriers, remain consistent with your answers and version of how the crash occurred. Inconsistency is one of the biggest factors that can damage your credibility.