The other party’s insurance is trying to create a fake injury claim against me, even though I’m not injured.
I’ve posted about this before, but it had too much detail for this subreddit, and I didn’t get clear answers. So, I’ll keep it brief.
I was involved in a minor fender bender that resulted in minimal cosmetic damage—just a dented quarter panel and some scratches. No airbags were deployed, there were no ambulances, and both cars were fine to drive home. The responding officer confirmed that everyone was okay since it was just a minor bump. I reported the incident to my insurance as required. However, the other party immediately demanded $8,000 and preferred not to go through insurance.
Weeks later, the other party is now claiming he has severe injuries and is demanding $80,000.
The other party’s insurance company has been relentless, trying to accuse me of not cooperating. I’ve referred them to my insurance, which has confirmed they’ve spoken to them multiple times and advised me to ignore the other party’s insurance. But during a second call, their representative falsely claimed that I was severely injured. I lost my cool and told them, “No injuries were reported; the officer said we were fine. Talk to my insurance.”
Fortunately, that didn’t backfire on me, but it was incredibly stressful.
I’m curious why the other party would fabricate an injury claim against me. Why would they want me to claim I’m injured when I’m not? Could their lies about my supposed injury make the other guy’s claims seem more credible? It feels like they’re grasping at straws since there’s no basis for their claims.
The representative I spoke with sounded sleazy and smug, almost laughing at my situation.
I know to hang up immediately if they call again; I just snapped during that second call because this whole ordeal has been overwhelming.
Edit: Some of you are misunderstanding my situation. I’m dealing with a lot of stress over this and the other party’s attempts to extort money from me.
I’m really sorry to hear about the difficult situation you’re facing. It sounds incredibly frustrating, especially since the accident was minor and you weren’t injured. Unfortunately, there are people who might try to exploit circumstances like this in hopes of getting a payday.
The other party’s insurance might be attempting to fabricate injuries for a few reasons:
Maximizing Payouts: Some individuals see an opportunity to make money by exaggerating or falsifying injuries after an accident. If they can get you on record saying you were injured, it may bolster their claim against the insurance company.
Shifting Blame: By trying to associate you with an injury claim, they might be looking to create confusion about the accident’s circumstances, which could potentially strengthen their position.
Pressure Tactics: The insurance adjuster may be trying to pressure you into admitting fault or providing information that could be used against you later. This is a common tactic in claims where liability might be confusing.
As for the validity of their claims, if the police report confirms that there were no injuries and everyone was cleared to leave the scene without any medical attention, it certainly undermines the other party’s position. Insurers usually conduct investigations and will consider the evidence presented, including witness statements and medical documentation.
It’s a good move to continue referring any communication from the other party’s insurance to your own insurer. Keep detailed records of all interactions, including dates, times, and the content of conversations. If the situation escalates or if you receive any legal documentation, consulting with a lawyer who specializes in personal injury or insurance claims might also be a wise step to protect yourself.
Stay strong, and remember that you’re not alone in this – many people have faced similar challenges in minor accident claims. Good luck, and take care!