In the unfortunate event that you have been involved in a car accident, you may be physically and financially overwhelmed. Before you can recover compensation for your damages, you will need to prove the other driver’s negligence. However, this can be difficult if they lie about their involvement in the crash. If you believe the at-fault driver lied to the insurance company, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of an experienced Essex County Auto Accident Attorney who can help protect your rights and interests.
Why Would the Other Driver Lie About Their Involvement in the Crash?
If you have been involved in a car accident, proving fault is crucial as it determines who is financially responsible for damages. While insurance will typically cover a portion of your damages, you can file a claim against the at-fault party to recover the remaining damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and vehicle repairs. The at-fault driver may lie about their involvement in the accident to avoid taking responsibility. Some of the most common reasons at-fault drivers lie about an accident include:
- Financial concerns
- Fear of legal consequences (traffic tickets, license suspension, jail time, or lawsuits)
- Fear of increased insurance premiums
- Avoid being dropped by their auto insurance carrier
- Portec their driving record
- Memory distortion or cognitive biases
- To protect their reputation
- To minimize the compensation they are required to pay
It’s important to note that New Jersey is a modified comparative negligence state. This means that an injured party is permitted to recover damages as long as they are less than 50% at fault for an accident. However, their compensation will be reduced by their percentage of fault for the accident. Therefore, proving fault is important to ensure you recover the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.
How Can I Protect My Claim?
Following a car accident, it’s important to understand the steps you must take to not only ensure your health but also protect your legal rights. If circumstances permit, you should gather as much evidence as possible to support your claim and prove the other driver’s dishonesty. When communicating with the insurance company and law enforcement, you should stick to the facts. Avoid admitting any fault or making assumptions about what may have caused the collision. It’s important to note that even taking partial blame can result in the hindrance company drawing the wrong conclusion, which can come back to haunt you. If there are witnesses, you should obtain their contact information and statements as they may be able to corroborate your versions of the events.
Nevertheless, one of the most important things you can do after a car accident is to consult a skilled attorney. At the Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq., we are prepared to help you explore your legal options and advocate for your best interests. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve and need to get your life back on track.
