After a car accident, the police report is one of the most important pieces of documentation. Insurance companies and attorneys often rely on it to understand how the crash occurred and who may be at fault. But what happens if the other driver lies in their statement to the police? Whether they downplay their own actions, shift blame unfairly, or completely fabricate the events, a false statement on a police report can have serious consequences for your claim.
Here’s what you need to know and do if you believe the other driver lied on the police report after your car accident. Cooney & Conway’s experienced attorneys help victims seek compensation for car crash damages.
1. Stay Calm and Gather Your Own Evidence
It can be infuriating to discover the other driver lied, especially if their false account could cost you money or shift blame unfairly. But staying calm and strategic is critical.
Start by collecting as much evidence as possible to support your side of the story:
- Photos and Videos – Images of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, and weather conditions can all be valuable.
- Dashcam Footage – If you have a dashcam, preserve the footage immediately and back it up in multiple places.
- Witness Statements – If anyone saw the crash, get their name and contact information. Eyewitnesses can be powerful when the facts are disputed.
- Medical Records – If you were injured, your medical documentation helps show the impact and timeline of the crash.
- Your Statement – Write down exactly what happened while it’s fresh in your mind. Include the time, location, traffic conditions, and anything the other driver said.
This documentation may help counter any lies made in the police report and support your version of events.
2. Request a Copy of the Police Report
To address the false information, you first need to know exactly what the police report says. In most jurisdictions, you can obtain a copy from the local law enforcement agency that responded to the accident. Some may allow you to request it online, while others require an in-person or written request.
Read the report carefully. Does it clearly reflect the other driver’s lie? Is it based only on the driver’s statement, or does it include input from you and witnesses as well? Identifying the inaccurate statements will help you determine the best course of action.
3. Request a Report Amendment or Supplemental Statement
If the police report contains errors or biased information, you may be able to request a correction or file a supplemental statement.
Keep in mind:
- Factual Errors (like wrong license plate numbers or time of day) are usually easier to amend.
- Disputed Statements (such as “Driver A ran the red light”) may not be removed, but your side of the story can often be added to the report.
Contact the officer who wrote the report and ask how to submit a supplemental statement. Be polite and professional. Officers are human and more likely to assist someone who’s respectful and organized.
4. Notify Your Insurance Company
Be proactive with your own insurance provider. Let them know you believe the other driver lied in their statement and provide any evidence you’ve gathered.
Even if the false information hasn’t impacted your claim yet, informing your insurer early helps them investigate more thoroughly. If the at-fault driver’s lie is being used to dispute liability, your insurer needs to be ready to defend you.
5. Speak With an Experienced Car Accident Attorney
If the other driver’s lie is threatening your ability to recover compensation or putting you at fault for something you didn’t do, it’s time to speak with a lawyer.
An experienced car accident attorney can:
- Investigate the crash independently
- Subpoena video footage or phone records if needed
- Interview witnesses
- Challenge the credibility of the other driver’s story
- Help correct or dispute the police report
- Negotiate with insurance companies
- Represent you in court, if necessary
The legal system provides avenues to fight false claims, but it can be difficult to do on your own. An attorney levels the playing field.
6. Don’t Confront the Other Driver
It may be tempting to call out the other driver or demand they change their statement. But this is almost always a bad idea.
Confronting them directly can backfire in several ways:
- They may deny it or become defensive
- The situation could escalate
- Anything you say might be used against you later
Instead, let your evidence, and your lawyer, do the talking.
7. Prepare for a Legal Dispute
If the lie significantly affects the outcome of your claim, you may be headed toward a legal battle — especially if the insurance companies can’t agree on fault.
In that case:
- Make sure you’re organized and responsive with any legal or insurance paperwork
- Don’t post about the accident on social media
- Follow your attorney’s guidance and continue documenting any accident-related issues (such as ongoing medical treatment)
Fighting back against a false police report can be frustrating, but persistence pays off, especially when you have a legal team advocating for you.
Lies on a police report can create serious problems after a car crash, but they don’t have to ruin your claim. The key is to act quickly, stay organized, and document everything. Whether the other driver distorted the truth or outright fabricated what happened, your best defense is a strong offense: solid evidence and the support of an experienced attorney.
If you’ve been injured in a crash and the other driver lied on the police report, don’t leave your future to chance. Reach out to a qualified car accident lawyer who can help you protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.