What If the Other Driver Claims I Cut Them Off After a Car Accident?
It is extremely common after a car accident for the other driver to immediately blame you and claim that you “cut them off.” Insurance companies often use this as an excuse to deny liability or delay handling your claim. But an accusation is not evidence, and it does not automatically make you responsible for the crash. Only evidence and, if necessary, a jury determine fault—not the other driver and not the insurance company.
Below is a clear explanation of how these situations work, what matters, and why you may still have a strong case even if the other driver is pointing the finger at you.
Insurance Companies Do Not Decide Fault
If the other driver says you cut them off, the insurance company may try to deny fault or refuse to pay. This is extremely common, and it does not mean they are right. Insurance companies are not neutral decision-makers; they are businesses whose priority is paying as little as possible.
An insurance adjuster’s opinion has no legal authority. They can accept or deny fault based on whatever story the other driver gives them, but that does not determine the truth or your rights. If the insurer refuses to take responsibility, your attorney can file a lawsuit, and at that point, the insurance company’s opinion becomes irrelevant.
Only a Jury Can Decide Who Is at Fault
If liability is disputed, your attorney can take the case to court. In a courtroom, the judge and jury review actual evidence, not accusations. That means the case is decided based on:
• police reports
• witness statements
• physical damage to both vehicles
• crash scene measurements
• dash cam or surveillance footage
• expert accident reconstruction
• testimony under oath
Even if the other driver insists you cut them off, their statement alone carries no special weight. A jury decides who caused the accident—not the at-fault driver and not the insurance company.
Evidence Can Prove the Other Driver Is Lying
Accusations are easy. Evidence is what matters. Many drivers claim someone “cut them off” simply as a way to avoid responsibility. Your attorney will gather the types of evidence necessary to show the truth, including:
• video footage (dash cams, traffic cams, store cameras)
• photos of the vehicles and scene
• electronic data from airbags and event data recorders
• 911 call recordings
• statements from independent witnesses
• the police officer’s observations at the scene
In many cases, the physical evidence alone makes it clear who caused the collision, regardless of what the other driver said.
You Can Still Recover Compensation
Even if the other driver claims you cut them off:
• you can still file an injury claim
• you can still recover damages
• you can still win in court
• your case is not ruined
A false accusation does not eliminate your rights. If the evidence supports your version of events, you can still obtain compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Why You Need an Attorney in These Situations
When the other driver lies or blames you, having an experienced personal injury attorney is critical. Your attorney will:
• prevent you from making statements that hurt your case
• challenge the insurance company’s wrongful denial
• gather the evidence needed to prove liability
• file a lawsuit if the insurer refuses to accept responsibility
• question the other driver under oath
• build the case for trial if necessary
Without an attorney, the insurance company may simply accept the other driver’s story and deny you compensation altogether.
