What If the Other Driver Lied on the Police Report After a Crash?
Aug. 23, 2025
After a car crash, emotions are high, adrenaline is pumping, and memories can be a bit blurry. But when the other driver not only remembers clearly, they outright lie on the police report — things can go from bad to worse.
I’ve seen firsthand how a false statement can flip the narrative of an accident and cause serious problems for innocent people just trying to recover from an already traumatic experience.
At The Law Office of Dan N. Fiorito III, I help clients across Seattle and all of Western Washington deal with these situations, including cases involving serious injury and wrongful death. If you’re in a situation where the other driver isn’t telling the truth on a police report, it can feel like you’re being blamed for something that wasn’t your fault.
It can affect your insurance claim, medical coverage, and even your ability to seek justice. Let’s take a closer look at how to respond, what evidence can help you, and how this may tie into a wrongful death case if someone tragically lost their life in the accident.
Why Police Reports Matter After a Crash
Police reports carry a lot of weight. Insurance companies and lawyers often treat them as official accounts of what happened. If the other driver lied and their version of events made it into that report, it might look like they’re in the clear while you’re left with the consequences.
But just because something appears in a police report doesn’t make it the final word. These reports are written quickly, based on interviews at the scene and what officers observe. If a lie is included, I can help challenge it, but time and evidence are critical.
When it comes to wrongful death cases, police reports are even more important. If a loved one passed away due to the crash, the official documentation may be the only immediate source of details. A false narrative can derail the chance for fair compensation and accountability.
Common Lies Drivers Tell After Accidents
It’s frustrating how common this issue is. Over the years, many lies have been told in the heat of the moment — some small, others major. These are the ones most frequently encountered:
Shifting blame: Claiming you ran a red light or were speeding when you weren’t.
Changing locations: Saying the accident happened in a different lane or direction.
Fabricating witnesses: Mentioning passengers or bystanders who don’t exist.
Denying distractions: Insisting they weren’t texting or using their phone when evidence says otherwise.
Faking injuries or damage: Saying their vehicle or body was hurt worse than it was.
If someone lied on a report and a wrongful death occurred, it makes the pain even more unbearable for the family. That lie could stand in the way of accountability.
Steps to Take When You Suspect the Other Driver Lied
The good news is that a police report isn’t the end of the road. Here’s what I recommend if you believe the other driver made false claims:
Stay calm but act quickly. It’s tempting to lash out when someone’s lying, especially if you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, or dealing with the loss of a loved one. But your best move is to start collecting your version of the facts.
Request the police report. You’re legally entitled to it. Review it carefully and note anything that seems incorrect. Don’t wait too long, especially if the crash was severe or resulted in a wrongful death.
Write down everything you remember. Dates, times, locations, what was said — document it all while it’s still fresh in your mind. These notes can become critical later.
Gather your evidence. Start collecting anything that supports your story. This can include:
Photographs: Images of the accident scene, vehicle damage, traffic signs, and weather conditions.
Video footage: Dashcams, surveillance footage from nearby businesses, or traffic cameras.
Witnesses: Names and contact information for people who saw what happened.
Medical records: Documentation of any injuries, especially if the crash resulted in serious harm or wrongful death.
Phone records: If distracted driving is a factor, these can show usage at the time of the crash.
Once you have this information, bring it to my office. I’ll work with you to challenge the false report and present the facts clearly and legally.
How Insurance Companies Treat False Police Reports
Insurance adjusters may take the police report at face value, especially in minor crashes. But if the stakes are high — like in a case of wrongful death or a long-term injury — they’ll dig deeper. Still, a report that shows you as the one at fault can lead to:
Denied claims
Reduced settlements
Higher premiums
Legal complications
This is why it’s important not to rely solely on the report. With proper documentation, I can challenge the narrative and push for a better outcome.
If the crash led to a wrongful death, the insurance investigation takes on added weight. In those situations, I work closely with families to make sure their loved one’s story is told accurately and compassionately.
How to Amend a False Police Report
You may be able to request a correction to the report. It’s not always guaranteed, but here’s how the process usually goes:
Contact the officer who filed the report. Be respectful and explain the inaccuracies. Share your evidence and politely ask if the officer will file a supplemental report.
File a statement. Some departments allow you to submit your version of events. This won’t change the original report, but it creates a record of your disagreement.
Consult a lawyer early. I can help with communications, legal phrasing, and submitting any amendments to strengthen your position.
When the outcome could affect a wrongful death claim, I approach these requests with careful documentation and clarity.
Proving the Truth in Court
Sometimes the only way to correct the record is through legal action. If the other driver’s lie has caused serious damage — physically, financially, or emotionally — we may need to file a lawsuit. In court, I can:
Subpoena video or cell phone records
Bring in accident reconstruction professionals
Present witness testimony under oath
Challenge the other driver’s version through cross-examination
For families facing wrongful death after a crash, litigation can provide a sense of justice and help prevent similar tragedies. I handle these cases with the seriousness they deserve and keep clients informed every step of the way.
When a False Report Leads to Wrongful Death
The stakes rise dramatically when a loved one is killed in a crash and the surviving driver lies. I’ve worked with grieving families who are left not only to mourn but also to fight against false statements.
A wrongful death claim in Washington allows surviving family members to pursue compensation for things like:
Funeral and burial expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship
Emotional pain and suffering
If the driver who caused the crash lied about what happened, it becomes even more urgent to correct the record. A false report shouldn’t stand in the way of holding someone accountable for their actions.
In these cases, I treat every piece of evidence as vital. Video footage, crash analysis, autopsy reports, and witness statements can all help uncover the truth and support the family’s claim.
What to Do If You’re Accused of Lying
False accusations cut both ways. If the other driver claims you lied on the police report, it’s essential to protect yourself. This can happen more often than you think, especially in tense or confusing crash scenes.
Here’s how to handle it:
Stay consistent in your statements
Don’t embellish or speculate
Only speak with the police, your lawyer, or your insurance company
Collect all possible evidence
Let me know immediately if you suspect you’re being blamed unfairly
I work hard to clear my clients’ names when they’ve been wrongly accused, especially if there’s a wrongful death claim involved and emotions are understandably running high.
Take Action to Hold Negligent Drivers Accountable
If a crash resulted in serious harm or wrongful death and you believe the other driver lied on the police report, I can help. At The Law Office of Dan N. Fiorito III, I serve clients in Seattle, Washington, and throughout Western Washington, including the Puget Sound Area, Bellevue, Tacoma, and Everett. Don’t let a false statement control your future. Contact me today.