You're recovering from painful injuries after another driver crashed into you at an intersection. But now you find out they lied to the police and claimed you ran the red light—even though you had the right of way. What now?
Inaccurate information on an official crash report can threaten your injury claim and ability to collect fair compensation. But you don't have to let a dishonest driver derail your recovery. The experienced Virginia car accident lawyers at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas have been fighting for accident victims for decades. We know how to investigate crashes, gather evidence, and build strong cases that overcome false reports and deliver the results our clients deserve.
How Much Does the Police Report Really Matter?
Police reports carry significant weight with insurance companies when determining fault and liability. Adjusters know that juries tend to trust law enforcement's account of what happened.
However, while officers strive for accuracy, they don't have the final say. Reports can contain errors or incomplete details, especially when:
- Victims are too injured to give statements at the scene
- Drivers or witnesses provide conflicting accounts
- Critical evidence is overlooked in the initial investigation
The Impact of Contributory Negligence
Under Virginia's harsh contributory negligence law, you can't recover damages if you're found to be even one percent at fault for the crash, even if the other driver is primarily to blame. That means if an insurance company can point to a false police report claiming you contributed to the collision in any way, they can deny your claim outright. This is why it's so critical to have an attorney who can definitively prove the other driver's fault and protect your rights.
If you believe the police report doesn't tell the whole story, don't panic. An experienced car accident attorney can dig deeper to uncover the truth. At Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, we immediately launch our own investigation, visiting the scene, tracking down witnesses, and analyzing every shred of evidence to get the facts.
How Can I Dispute a False Accident Report?
Overcoming false statements on a crash report takes swift action and substantial evidence. Your attorney will immediately begin investigating to gather proof of what really happened:
- Surveillance footage. Nearby traffic or security cameras may have captured the crash, documenting the at-fault driver's actions.
- Witness testimony. Independent eyewitnesses can provide unbiased accounts that contradict a dishonest driver's claims.
- Physical evidence. Experts can analyze vehicle damage, skid marks, and debris patterns to reconstruct the accident and pinpoint fault.
- Medical records. Prompt treatment that aligns with the crash impact and your position in the car can validate your side of the story.
Your lawyer will use these pieces to build a case showing the police report is incorrect, and the other driver's statements can't be trusted. Our attorneys meticulously comb through crash scenes and reconstruct collisions to determine liability. We know the right experts to consult and how to turn their analysis into compelling courtroom exhibits.
What if the Insurance Company Sides with the At-Fault Driver?
Insurers jump at any chance to avoid paying full injury compensation. False crash reports give them a convenient excuse to shift blame, dispute treatment, or outright deny claims.
However, a skilled attorney will fight back against these bad-faith tactics. Your lawyer will present clear evidence demonstrating the other driver's liability and demanding the settlement you deserve.
Insurance companies know that once a case goes to court, an attorney can cross-examine the dishonest driver, attack their credibility, and expose the truth to the jury. Faced with a battle-tested lawyer, insurers usually agree to negotiate towards a fair settlement rather than risk a massive trial verdict. At Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, we've taken on the biggest insurers in the business—and consistently win for our clients.
How A Virginia Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
After a serious crash, you need an aggressive advocate in your corner. An experienced Virginia car accident attorney can:
- Independently investigate the collision to uncover critical evidence
- Interview witnesses and gather testimony supporting your claim
- Consult with accident reconstruction specialists to prove fault
- Handle all communication with the insurance company
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement that meets your needs
- Take your case to trial and present a powerful case to the jury
You shouldn't suffer because someone else lied. A law firm with a proven track record of success will aggressively protect your rights and make sure you get the full compensation you need to heal.
For over 30 years, the seasoned Virginia car accident lawyers at Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas have been leveling the playing field for accident victims. We understand the immense physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious crash can take. That's why we fight tenaciously to maximize our clients' recoveries and secure the support they need to rebuild their lives.