What Happens if the At-Fault Driver Lies About How a Car Accident Happened?

 Posted on October 15, 2026 in Car Accidents

If the other driver lies about how a car accident happened, you can challenge their story with evidence. This is especially important in Maryland, where being partly responsible for a crash can prevent you from recovering compensation.

If you are dealing with a disputed accident claim in 2026, an Anne Arundel County personal injury lawyer can help. Attorney Jason Kisner has more than 10 years of experience and previously worked for large insurance companies. He understands how insurers investigate and dispute accident claims.

How Does Maryland's Contributory Negligence Rule Affect a Car Accident Claim?

Maryland follows a rule called contributory negligence. If your own negligence contributed to the accident, even by a small amount, you may be unable to recover compensation.

This makes disputes over fault especially important. The other driver's insurance company may argue that you were speeding, distracted, or failed to follow a traffic law.

Maryland recognizes a limited exception called the last clear chance doctrine. It may apply when the other driver had a new opportunity to prevent the crash after your negligent actions but failed to do so. However, proving that the other driver caused the accident is often the main focus of the claim.

What Evidence Can Show That Another Driver Lied About a Maryland Car Accident?

Physical evidence can help establish what happened before and during a car accident, even when the drivers give different accounts.

Useful evidence may include:

• Vehicle damage showing where and how the cars collided

• Data from a vehicle’s event data recorder, which can record speed, braking, and other details around the time of a crash

• Dashcam footage from either vehicle or nearby drivers

• Security footage from businesses, traffic cameras, or homes

• Skid marks, debris, and damage to the roadway

• Witness statements from people who saw the accident

• Phone records that may show distracted driving

• 911 recordings documenting what was reported after the crash

An accident reconstruction expert can use this evidence to explain how the crash happened and whether the facts support the other driver’s story.

Can a Police Report Prove Who Caused a Car Accident in Maryland?

A police report can provide important information. However, it does not settle who was legally responsible for an accident. Officers often arrive after a crash and rely on statements from the drivers and witnesses. A judge may not allow an officer’s opinion about fault as evidence. What the officer personally saw can still be useful.

A traffic ticket alone also does not prove that a driver is legally responsible for the crash. Likewise, the absence of a citation does not mean a driver was not negligent.

Police reports can contain mistakes or missing information. An attorney can compare the report with photographs, video footage, witness statements, and other available evidence.

What Should You Do if the Other Driver Lies About a Crash in Maryland?

If the other driver changes their story or falsely blames you, take steps to protect your claim:

• Write down what happened. Record the location, traffic signals, weather, vehicle positions, and anything said at the scene.

• Save your evidence. Keep photographs, videos, witness contact information, and messages about the accident.

• Be careful with insurance statements. Speak with an attorney before giving a recorded statement to the other driver's insurer.

• Preserve important records. Your attorney can request that relevant video footage, vehicle data, and other evidence be saved.

• Continue medical treatment. Follow your doctor's recommendations and keep records connecting your injuries to the accident.

A preservation request can help prevent evidence from being lost. However, whether missing evidence leads to legal consequences depends on the circumstances.

Maryland also limits how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. Most claims must be filed within three years, although shorter notice deadlines may apply to government claims.

Can a Driver Face Legal Consequences for Lying About a Car Accident in Maryland?

Under Maryland Insurance Code § 27-403, knowingly lying to an insurer about an important fact to support a claim can be insurance fraud. However, simply disagreeing about who caused an accident does not prove fraud.

False statements can also damage a driver's credibility in a personal injury lawsuit. If evidence shows that a driver lied about an important detail, the judge or jury may question other parts of their account.

Contact Our Anne Arundel County, MD Car Accident Attorney Today

Attorney Kisner handles personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney’s fees unless he recovers compensation for you. He will keep you informed throughout the legal process. He also works with orthopedic doctors, neurologists, and pain management specialists to help injured clients get appropriate medical care.

Our firm offers medical coordination assistance, is available around the clock, and can meet with clients in person or remotely. We can also travel to you when necessary.

Contact Kisner Law at 240-459-0097 to talk to our Anne Arundel County personal injury lawyer today. Hablamos español.