warm-sparrow-1505/12/2026

Got rear-ended while completely stopped at a red light — other driver is already lying about it

I'm still kind of in shock so bear with me if this is all over the place.

I was sitting at a red light this morning, foot on the brake, not moving at all, when I felt this massive jolt from behind. The impact pushed me forward into the intersection. My neck snapped back hard and I hit my head on the headrest.

When I got out to check the damage, the entire rear end of my car is a mess — trunk won't close, taillights are shattered, and there's definitely something wrong with the frame because the bumper is sitting crooked in a way that makes my stomach drop every time I look at it.

Here's the part that's making my blood boil: the guy who hit me is now telling the police officer on scene that I reversed into him. At a red light. While other cars were stopped on both sides of me. The officer looked at the damage patterns and didn't seem to buy it, but the other driver kept insisting.

Thankfully there was a coffee shop on the corner and I could see a camera pointing toward the intersection. I asked the manager if I could get the footage and she was really kind about it — said she'd hold onto it.

I filed a police report, took probably 200 photos, and got three witness names and numbers before anyone left.

My back is already stiffening up and I have a dull headache I can't shake. I went to urgent care and they want me to follow up with my regular doctor.

Has anyone dealt with an at-fault driver straight-up lying like this? Does having the camera footage basically settle it, or can they still drag this out?

9 replies

Most helpful first

steady-crow-8915/12/2026
Oh wow, the lying thing is SO common and so infuriating. The guy who hit me tried to claim I cut him off even though there was literally nowhere for me to have cut from — we were at a stoplight. Get that camera footage secured as fast as you can, like today if possible. Businesses sometimes overwrite after 24-48 hours.
daring-bison-6745/12/2026
Even with camera footage, don't assume the other driver's insurance just rolls over and pays up. Adjusters are trained to find any thread of ambiguity and pull on it. They might argue the angle is unclear, or that your brake lights weren't on, or some other nonsense. Document everything — your medical visits, how you're feeling each day, missed work, all of it. Start a notes app journal tonight.
humble-raven-1015/12/2026
Worked claims for years. When a driver gives a statement that directly contradicts clear physical evidence and eyewitnesses, most adjusters will note the credibility issue right in the file. That said, the other driver's version still gets documented and technically stays 'on the record.' The camera footage could genuinely be the thing that shuts this down fast — damage patterns alone usually tell the real story, but video makes it airtight. Get a written copy of the police report as soon as it's available.
silent-swift-8985/12/2026
Please take the follow-up appointment seriously even if you start feeling a little better in a day or two. Soft tissue injuries from rear-end impacts are notorious for feeling manageable at first and then getting significantly worse around days 3-5 as inflammation peaks. Keep a symptom log — write down your pain level, where it hurts, and how it's affecting your sleep and daily activities. That record matters a lot later.
- swift-hare-5135/12/2026
  Not doubting you at all, but just to make sure the footage actually captures what you think it does — do you know for certain the camera was facing the intersection clearly, and not just the parking lot entrance or the sidewalk? I've heard of situations where people counted on a camera and it turned out it had a limited angle or poor resolution. Worth confirming with the manager before you rely on it fully.
- quick-kestrel-3975/12/2026
  I just want to say I'm really glad you're okay enough to post this. Being hit while you're just sitting there minding your business is such a violation — it's okay to feel rattled and angry. Please rest tonight and let someone else handle logistics if you can. 💙
gentle-marten-9645/12/2026
Smart move getting the witness info at the scene — that's something a lot of people forget in the chaos. One thing worth doing quickly: send a written message to the coffee shop (email if you can get it) formally requesting they preserve the footage, and keep a copy for yourself. That creates a paper trail showing you made the request, which can matter if the footage somehow disappears. Also hang onto every single medical receipt and keep your urgent care discharge paperwork somewhere safe.
quick-swan-3555/12/2026
Not legal advice, but the combination you have — a police report, multiple witnesses, and potential video — is honestly a strong starting position. The lying driver creates complications mainly if his insurer decides to fight liability, which becomes more expensive for them the clearer the evidence is. If his insurance drags its feet or tries to lowball you on the medical side, that's usually when people find it worth having a PI attorney take a look. Most offer free consults.
patient-stoat-9375/12/2026
As awful as this is, you honestly did everything right at the scene — photos, witnesses, police report, camera request. A lot of people panic and forget half of that. You gave yourself the best possible foundation to deal with whatever comes next.