If you have been involved in a car accident and the other driver has lied about their involvement in the crash, it’s crucial to understand what you can do to protect your rights and interests. Please continue reading to learn the steps you can take after a collision to prove the other driver’s dishonesty and why connecting with an experienced Prince George’s County Auto Accident Lawyer is in your best interest.
What Are Common Reasons Motorists Lie About Their Involvement in a Crash?
When you are injured through no fault of your own, you may pursue legal action against the responsible party to recover compensation for your damages. However, before you can be awarded damages, you will be responsible for proving the other party’s negligence. In many cases, motorists lie about their involvement in an accident because they want to avoid financial responsibility for the crash. While insurance will usually cover a portion of the damages based on your collision cover, the at-fault party can be held liable for any remaining damages if your losses exceed your policy limits. The key reasons an at-fault driver may lie about an accident include the following:
- Fear of legal repercussions (avoid potential traffic tickets, driver’s license suspension, and jail time)
- Fear of being sued
- To protect their insurance rates
- To avoid being dropped by their insurance company
- To protect their reputation
- Distortion of memory
- Cognitive biases
- To minimize the compensation they are required to pay for injuries
It’s important to note that Maryland is a contributory negligence state. This legal doctrine prevents an injured party from recovering damages if they were partially at fault for the accident. Essentially, if an injured party is even just 1% responsible for the collision, they will face the absolute bar of recovery. Proving fault is crucial to ensure you receive the full and fair compensation to which you are entitled.
How Can I Protect My Accident Claim?
In the unfortunate event that you have been injured in a car accident, it’s important to understand the steps you must take in the immediate aftermath to safeguard your legal rights. If circumstances permit, you should gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene to support your claim. When communicating with law enforcement and insurance companies, you should stick to the facts and avoid admitting fault. If these parties draw the wrong conclusion from your statements, it can diminish your ability to recover compensation for your damages. Therefore, you must provide accurate information.
Furthermore, if any witnesses observed the accident, you should collect their contact information as they may be able to corroborate your claim. Witness statements can provide specific details about the incident that you may have missed. A witness’s testimony can help identify the negligent party.
At Timian & Fawcett, LLC, we are prepared to help you navigate your legal options. Our team can assist you in gathering all relevant evidence for your case, maximizing your chances of holding the negligent party accountable, and obtaining financial recovery for your damages. Connect with our firm today to learn how we can fight for you.
