After a car accident, emotions run high. You’re shaken, dealing with vehicle damage, and possibly injured. In the chaos, one of the most critical documents created is the police report. This report becomes a key piece of evidence for insurance companies and—if necessary—a personal injury claim. But what happens when you read the report later and discover the other driver lied?
Whether they falsely claimed you were speeding, failed to yield, or outright denied causing the crash, lies in a police report can jeopardize your case. Fortunately, you are not powerless. Here’s what to do if the other driver lied on the police report—and how you can protect your rights.
Table of Contents
1. Don’t Panic, but Take It Seriously
Finding false information in a police report is frustrating and can feel like a betrayal of justice. But it’s not uncommon. Drivers often lie to protect themselves, avoid fines, or escape liability. The important thing is not to panic. The police report is not the final word—it’s just one piece of the puzzle.
Insurance companies and courts look at multiple sources of evidence when determining fault. Your job is to begin gathering and presenting the truth.
2. Get a Copy of the Police Report ASAP
You’ll need to carefully review the report to identify what exactly the other driver said and how it may conflict with your account or other facts. You can usually request a copy of the report from the police department or state’s Department of Motor Vehicles, either online or in person.
Once you have the report, make note of:
- Inaccurate statements
- Missing or misrepresented details
- Names of witnesses (if any)
- The officer’s narrative and listed cause of the accident
3. Gather Evidence That Supports Your Version of Events
A police officer wasn’t present when the accident occurred. Their report is based on what each party says, combined with visible damage, witness statements, and road conditions. If the other driver lied, it’s up to you to build a case that proves it.
Here’s what to collect:
- Photographs or videos of the scene, vehicle damage, traffic signs, and skid marks
- Dashcam footage if available
- Medical records showing when and how injuries occurred
- Witness statements, especially from neutral third parties
- Traffic camera footage, which your attorney may be able to request from the city
The more objective evidence you have, the easier it becomes to discredit the false statements.
4. Write a Detailed Statement of Your Own
Create your own written narrative while the incident is still fresh in your mind. Include:
- Time and location of the accident
- Weather and traffic conditions
- Exact movements leading up to the crash
- What the other driver said or did immediately after
You can submit this statement to the police and your insurance company. It’s especially useful if your case escalates to litigation.
5. Request an Amendment to the Police Report (If Warranted)
Police reports can sometimes be amended, especially if factual errors are present (e.g., wrong location, misspelled names, incorrect vehicle descriptions). If you can present evidence that contradicts a false claim, you can ask the officer to revise or add a supplement to the report.
Keep in mind:
- Police are less likely to change subjective parts (like who they thought was at fault)
- Be respectful and provide clear, factual documentation
- If denied, your statement can still be added to the official record
6. Alert Your Insurance Company Right Away
Let your insurer know that there are false statements in the police report. Provide them with your own documentation and any supporting evidence.
If the other driver’s lies are an attempt to shift blame, your insurer needs to be prepared to fight back. Without early notice, they may accept the police report at face value and reduce or deny your claim.
7. Hire a Personal Injury Attorney (Especially If You Were Injured)
When the stakes are high—such as serious injuries or expensive damages—a lawyer can be your greatest asset. A personal injury attorney will:
- Investigate the accident independently
- Request traffic or surveillance footage
- Subpoena witnesses if necessary
- Communicate with the insurance companies on your behalf
- Help challenge inaccuracies in the report
If a lawsuit is required, your lawyer can use depositions and discovery to uncover the truth and hold the other driver accountable.
8. Understand That Lies May Backfire on the Other Driver
If the other driver is caught lying, it could hurt their credibility in the eyes of insurers, police, or a jury. Courts take false statements seriously, and insurance companies may question the rest of their version of events.
In some cases, false statements in a police report can lead to perjury charges, though this is rare unless the lie occurs under oath.
Finding out the other driver lied on the police report feels like a slap in the face—but it doesn’t mean your case is doomed. Police reports are helpful, but they are not the only deciding factor in a personal injury claim.
With the right evidence, persistence, and legal guidance, you can correct the record, assert your rights, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Need Help After an Accident?
If you were injured in a crash and believe the other driver lied about what happened, contact an experienced personal injury attorney from PKSD. You don’t have to face this battle alone—and the truth is on your side.