SKIP TO CONTENTIn any wreck, there are bound to be different and conflicting versions of what happened based on the perspective of the drivers. For example, both parties in a collision might claim that the other person ran through a red light.
Naturally, only one of the drivers is telling the actual truth, so what should you do when the other driver is clearly lying?
Why Do Drivers Lie in Car Accident Cases?
The answer might seem painfully obvious: no one wishes to be found at fault for an accident, which could result in having insurance premium prices go up and/or not receiving adequate compensation for injuries and other financial losses.
However, understanding the other party’s specific motivation can go a long way toward helping to prove your case. For example, someone driving under the influence will have a stronger motivation to lie than someone who was simply going a few miles above posted speed limits.
The penalties for drunk driving are harsh, and could even result in the person having to pay additional punitive damages in Oklahoma.
As an Oklahoma car accident attorney, a few of the common reasons to lie include the following:
- Driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol at the time of the wreck
- Distracted driving because of texting or some other variable that caused the driver to take their eyes off the road
- Committing a serious traffic violation, like running a red light
- Tailgating or another form of aggressive driving
- Driving at an unsafe speed, either beyond the posted speed limit or at a rate unsafe for the conditions
- Drowsiness or fatigue leading to falling asleep or too-slow reaction times
Penalties for Lying to Insurance Companies
There are severe penalties for lying to insurance companies in Oklahoma, and the act is considered a form of fraud. If caught, the dishonest person can be charged with a felony, which is punishable by up to three years of imprisonment and significant fines.
If it is discovered that the other driver lied to the police and the information was recorded on the police report, there could also be criminal charges.
What To Do When You Know or Suspect the Other Driver Is Lying
Proving fault in a “he said, she said” situation is nearly impossible unless you have evidence of what actually happened. Oklahoma City car accident lawyers will work to gather and interpret the evidence to help establish fault and prove the other party has been dishonest.
A car accident attorney is instrumental in helping to determine who was at fault because they will often be familiar with the various tactics employed by dishonest persons and are better equipped to investigate a claim than an individual person.
The evidence that an attorney will compile includes:
- Witness statements
- Video surveillance
- Photos of the scene
- Police reports
- Other forensic evidence
It is vital to move quickly to establish fault and prove your case. The statute of limitations to file a lawsuit for a car accident claim in Oklahoma is two years.
Don’t waste any valuable time. Take action to kickstart the investigation. It’s crucial to avoid delay, as there is a risk of running out of time if the insurance company stalls, which could result in losing your chance for compensation.
Contact an Experienced Oklahoma City Car Accident Attorney
Make sure you reach out to a car accident attorney in Oklahoma City if you’ve been in a collision and you feel like the other driver isn’t being truthful. Contact the Law Office of Bryan Garrett, PLLC, for a free consultation. Our team will thoroughly investigate the incident to uncover the precise truth behind what took place.
