The Shoulder
The Shoulder
58
Insurancekind-elk-139

Neighbor's doorbell cam caught the whole thing — other driver is LYING to her insurance

So this happened about a week ago at an unmarked four-way intersection near an apartment complex. I was cutting through on my way to an early shift and got T-boned by someone who blew through without even tapping the brakes. My car has a crumpled passenger door and some frame issues — hers had to be towed. Neither of us needed an ambulance, thankfully.

Here's where it gets wild. The other driver's boyfriend showed up about ten minutes after the crash and immediately started telling the responding officer that I was "flying through there" and that she "tried to swerve." Complete nonsense. I was going maybe 20 in a 25.

Fast forward two days — her insurance calls me for a recorded statement and the rep is already talking to me like I'm partially at fault. That set off every alarm bell I have.

I went back to the intersection on a hunch and knocked on a few doors. A guy two houses down has a wide-angle camera on his garage and it caught everything. You can clearly see her never slow down and just plow into my passenger side. I almost cried watching it.

I've already sent the clip to the investigating officer to attach to the report, but I haven't given that recorded statement to her insurance yet.

My questions:

  • Do I mention the video when I give my statement, or just let them find it on the police report?
  • Should I give them a recorded statement at all at this point?
  • Do I have to share my insurance info with her even though I didn't cause this?

Feeling pretty vindicated but also stressed. Any advice from people who've been through something like that?

15replies

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15 replies

  • 15
    humble-mole-861

    Oh man, I went through almost the exact same thing last year — other driver lied, I had to scramble for proof. A gas station camera ended up saving me. My honest advice: do NOT give that recorded statement to her insurance without talking to your own insurance company first, or at least a PI attorney. Her insurer is not your friend. They are actively working to minimize what they pay out, and anything you say can get twisted.

  • 6
    bright-swan-730

    That adjuster calling you and already hinting you're partially at fault? Classic early pressure tactic. They do that hoping you'll say something that gives them cover to split liability. Seriously, be very careful. I'd hold off on that recorded statement entirely until the video is formally attached to the police report and you've had a chance to talk to someone in your corner.

    • 4
      weary-commuter153

      Really glad you posted an update — gives the rest of us some hope.

    • 7
      level-mile-marker357

      Did the timeline change anything for you? Mine dragged on for weeks.

  • 8
    tidy-beaver-250

    I used to work for a carrier and I'll be straight with you — adjusters are trained to establish comparative fault as early as possible because even shaving 20% off your claim saves the company money. The fact that they're already framing it that way before the investigation is even done is a red flag. Once that video hits the police report, a good adjuster will pivot, but not all of them will volunteer that to you. Get everything in writing and don't trust verbal assurances.

    • 5
      patient-dreamer627

      Really glad you posted an update — gives the rest of us some hope.

  • 8
    spry-heron-116

    On your insurance info question — yes, you're generally required to exchange insurance information at the scene regardless of who's at fault. That's pretty standard in most states. It doesn't mean you're admitting anything, it's just the law. As for the recorded statement with her insurance, you are not legally obligated to give one. Your own policy may require you to cooperate with your insurer, but the other party's carrier? You can decline or at least delay. Definitely loop in your own insurance rep before you do anything else.

  • 21
    candid-bison-118

    Not legal advice, but from a practical standpoint — the video is your strongest asset right now. I wouldn't lead with it in a recorded statement to the adverse insurer; let it come out through the official police report. And honestly, given that they're already signaling a disputed liability position, a free consult with a PI attorney would probably be worth your time before you say anything on record. Most initial consults are no cost.

    • 3
      quiet-dreamer136

      That lines up with what my adjuster told me too.

  • 7
    mellow-kestrel-971

    Stop talking to her insurance. Full stop. You have the video. Let it do the work. The more you say to their adjuster right now, the more material they have to work with. Call your own insurance, tell them about the footage, and let the professionals handle the back-and-forth.

  • 13
    brave-fox-750

    I'm so glad you went back and found that footage. That took initiative and honestly it probably changed everything for you. I can only imagine how stressful this whole week has been. How are you holding up? Is your car drivable or are you dealing with a rental situation on top of all this?

  • 12
    keen-kestrel-699

    Quick question — did the officer at the scene give any indication of what the report would say? Like did they cite her or note who had right of way? Just wondering how solid the official record is before the video even gets attached.

  • 16
    clear-tern-015

    Honestly, you're in a much better position than most people who get hit by a liar. A lot of folks never find any corroborating evidence and just get ground down by the he-said-she-said battle. You have timestamped video. That's huge. Most of these disputes with clear footage resolve in the innocent party's favor once the carrier actually reviews it.

    • 0
      steady-survivor530

      Curious whether you did this on your own or had help with it.

  • 6
    gentle-wolf-613

    Just wanted to flag — even if you felt fine at the scene, a T-bone can do soft tissue damage that doesn't show up until days later. If you start feeling any neck stiffness, shoulder pain, or headaches in the next week or two, please go get checked out and document it. Not trying to alarm you, just something a lot of people overlook after "minor" accidents and then regret later.