If I had an accident and filed a police report containing false information, what will happen if they find out that I lied?
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If I had an accident and filed a police report containing false information, what will happen if they find out that I lied?
Today I was in a parking lot and was not looking as a car was backing up. I ran into it. We both got out; his car was fine but mine was not. He left and said he wasn’t going to call the cops. I didn’t know what to do and was scared that my parents would make me pay, so I lied and said I was waiting for someone to cross the street and a person just backed into me. I went to park but he just drove off. I don’t think there were any cameras in the parking lot but I don’t know for sure. I had to file a police report and will call my insurer tomorrow.
Asked on December 29, 2014 under Accident Law, Colorado
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 9 years ago | Contributor
Giving a false police report is a lie. So is lying to your insurer--in fact, that is insurance fraud, which is a felony. The longer you lie, and the more elaborate you make the lie, the worse it will be for you when the lie finally comes out. You are better off NOT telling your insurer a falsehood; coming clean to your parents; and then, with your parents, speaking in detail about the situation to a local attorney and seeing how best to correct the police report so as to minimize liability.
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