Other driver is lying about fault and told me not to talk to their insurance — what do I do?

Almost the exact same thing happened to me about a year ago. The other driver filed before I even got home. My biggest regret was waiting a few days before contacting my own insurance — I kept thinking it would just sort itself out. It didn't. Call YOUR insurance today, tell them you have dashcam footage, and let them know the other driver already filed a claim against you. The footage is your best friend here. Don't sit on it.

That move — filing on you and then telling you not to contact their insurance — is a classic attempt to control the narrative. He got his version in first hoping you'd be slow to respond. Their adjuster is already building a file based on his story. Every day you wait, that version gets more 'established.' Contact both insurances NOW and get your footage submitted in writing, not just mentioned in a phone call.

I used to work claims for a major carrier and I'll tell you straight: when two conflicting reports come in, adjusters look for corroborating evidence and whoever provided it first tends to shape the investigation. Dashcam footage that directly contradicts the other driver's account is huge — but you need to formally submit it, not just say you have it. Ask your insurer how to upload it or email it directly to the file. Get a claim number and reference it every time you communicate.

A few practical things worth knowing: you are absolutely allowed to contact the other driver's insurance yourself — there's nothing legally stopping you, regardless of what he told you. You're a third-party claimant and they have to talk to you. Also, document that stiff neck. Even if it feels minor right now, soft tissue injuries sometimes worsen over a week or two. Getting checked out creates a medical record tied to the date of the accident, which matters if this turns into anything more.

Please don't brush off the neck stiffness. I know it seems small compared to the car stuff, but whiplash-type symptoms often peak around 48-72 hours after impact, not immediately. Go see your doctor or an urgent care and just tell them you were in a car accident and your neck has been stiff since. Let them document it. You don't have to make it a big deal — just get it on record.

Not legal advice, but a couple things stand out here: the other driver's instruction to not contact his insurance is meaningless — you have every right to open a third-party claim directly with them. More importantly, if you have clear footage showing right-of-way, that's strong evidence for a liability determination in your favor. And the neck stiffness? Don't ignore it. Get evaluated now, not later. If this becomes a dispute, gaps in medical treatment get used against claimants.

Stop overthinking it. You have a dashcam. That's basically a witness that can't lie. File with your own insurance, hand over the footage, and let the process work. The other guy played his card early — you just need to play yours.