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Insurance companies require accurate information after a car crash, but some drivers feel tempted to stretch the truth. As a car accident lawyer can share, even small exaggerations or omissions in your statement can backfire. A false account may seem minor like blaming weather or tweaking the timeline, but once inconsistencies surface, your credibility takes a serious hit. Adjusters look for red flags, and if your version doesn’t match medical records or the police report, it could derail your entire claim.
Insurance Fraud
Insurance fraud isn’t just a buzzword. It includes any false statement made to obtain payment, even something as simple as misreporting how the accident occurred. If you’re found to have lied, the insurance company might not only deny your claim but could also demand repayment of any money already disbursed. In some cases, policyholders face lawsuits or even criminal charges. The severity of the punishment depends on just how much you lied.
Working with a personal injury lawyer immediately after an issue can help prevent these problems. Legal guidance from the start allows you to present your injuries and losses clearly, without overstating or leaving gaps in your narrative. A good attorney gathers your medical records, interviews witnesses, and compares your account to official reports. This avoids contradictions that can lead to suspicion. It also signals to the insurer that you’re serious about a fair and accurate claim.
Lying can also have ripple effects beyond the current case. Insurance companies share data across carriers, so one questionable claim may follow you for years. Higher premiums, limited policy options, or future denials are all possible. Legal consequences are another concern. Some states classify false insurance claims as misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the dollar amount involved. Courts may also question your honesty if you testify later in a related matter, like a civil lawsuit. This may cost you a case later.
Sticking to the truth from day one keeps the process cleaner and lowers your risk. That means reporting symptoms as you feel them, not as you think they should be described. It means not speculating about who was at fault or what another driver did. If you’re unsure, say so. It’s better to admit gaps in memory than to fabricate details that can’t be supported. If an adjuster pressures you to fill in blanks or asks you to sign a rushed statement, consult an attorney first. Lawyers will not be pressured by insurance companies. They can keep their cool and protect your case. You might have emotions running high and say the wrong thing, so it is best to let legal professionals handle those sorts of inquiries.
As our friends at Herschensohn Law Firm, PLLC can share, credibility makes or breaks an accident claim. Once lost, it’s nearly impossible to restore. Lying may seem tempting in the moment, but the long-term risks far outweigh any short-term gain.
Talk to a lawyer in your area today if you are facing issues with something you said to an insurance company.
