If you were hurt in a car accident in Louisiana and the other driver isn't telling the truth, it can affect your injury claim and your ability to recover the money you need. In some cases, drivers lie to avoid getting a ticket or being held responsible. They might deny they caused the crash, make false claims about how it happened, or even say they weren't there at all.

In Louisiana, who caused the accident matters. This is called a “fault” system, and it decides who pays for what. If you're blamed for something you didn't do, it can lower or even cancel your compensation. This is why it's important to know how to handle the situation—and what your legal rights are.

Why Lies About a Crash Can Hurt You

Louisiana follows a “comparative fault” rule. This is written in Louisiana Civil Code Article 2323. It means each person is responsible for their part of the accident. If the other driver says you were partly at fault and the insurance company believes them, your compensation could be reduced.

For example, if your case is worth $100,000 but they say you were 30% at fault, you might only get $70,000. If they lie and say you caused the entire crash, they may try to block your claim altogether. Lies can also delay your case or lead to unfair settlements. That's why early action is key.

What You Should Do Right After the Crash

Call the Police Right Away

Always call the police after an accident where anyone is hurt or where there's property damage over $500. This is required under Louisiana Revised Statutes § 32:398. The officer will write a report, talk to both drivers, and speak to witnesses if any are present. This report can later help show what really happened.

Make sure to give the officer your version of the crash. Be honest and calm. If you think the other driver is lying, tell the officer so they can include that in the report.

Take Photos and Talk to Witnesses

If you're able, take photos of the crash scene. Get pictures of the cars, damage, street signs, and anything else that seems important. If anyone saw the crash, ask for their name and contact information. An independent witness can make a big difference if the other driver is changing their story.

You can also make a video on your phone or write down your memories of what happened while they're still fresh. These details can help later on.

If you have a dash cam, make sure to save the video clip to prevent it from being overwritten. Once saved, you should back it up on a USB drive, your phone, or in the cloud.

Get Medical Care Quickly

Even if your injuries seem small, get checked out by a doctor as soon as you can. Medical records help prove that your injuries came from the accident. Waiting too long can give the other driver's insurance company a reason to doubt your injuries or say something else caused them.

Tell Your Insurance Company

Let your insurance company know about the crash. Be clear and stick to the facts. You can let them know that the other driver may not be telling the truth, but avoid arguing about it. Just explain what happened from your side and provide any photos or reports you have.

Don't Argue With the Other Driver

You might want to confront the other driver if they're lying, especially if it's hurting your case. But it's better not to talk to them directly after the crash. Instead, let your lawyer or insurance company deal with them. Anything you say could be misunderstood or used against you.

What Happens If the Insurance Company Believes the Lie?

Insurance companies look at reports, statements, photos, and medical records. If both drivers say different things, the company will try to decide who they believe. Sometimes, they'll side with the person who sounds more confident or who reported it first.

If you believe the other driver is lying and it's affecting your case, you may need to take legal action. If your accident occurred on or after July 1, 2024, you usually have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit in Louisiana. This is called the prescriptive period and is found in Louisiana Civil Code Article 3493.1. If the accident occurred before July 1, 2024, there is a one year deadline from the date of the accident.

Why a Lawyer Can Help

A Louisiana personal injury lawyer can help protect your side of the story. They can gather evidence, talk to witnesses, work with experts, and handle the insurance company for you. If the case needs to go to court, they can file a lawsuit within the deadline and present your case in front of a judge or jury.

If you're dealing with lies after a crash, don't wait to get help. Time and evidence both matter.

Slidell Louisiana Car Accident Lawyer

If you were hurt in a crash and the other driver is lying about what happened, Delsa Law Firm, LLC can help. We know how frustrating it is to be blamed for something you didn't do, especially when you're dealing with pain and recovery. Attorney Delsa helps people in Slidell and throughout Louisiana hold others accountable when the truth is being twisted.

Call Delsa Law Firm, LLC today at (985) 882-1222 or contact us online for a free consultation. Attorney Delsa will talk with you about your rights, what options you have, and what steps to take next.