Don't Say This After a Car Accident
Key Takeaways
- Be careful what you say after a car accident, like “I’m fine” or “I’m sorry,” because it can affect your insurance claim or legal case.
- Don’t guess who is at fault at the accident scene; let the police and insurance companies figure it out.
- Always report the accident to the police and your insurance, even if it seems minor, to protect your rights.
A car accident is a shocking experience. After it is over and you get out to talk to the other driver, you can say things based on emotion or out of habit. Some things you say may seem positive, but they can affect how much you can recover after an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Stop before you say anything, and think about how your words can be used against you.
Auto accident liability laws are different in every state. If you are hurt in a car accident, talk to a local car accident attorney for legal advice about your personal injury claim.
What You Say After an Accident Can Hurt Your Case
After a car accident, when the vehicles have screeched to a halt, and the immediate shock wears off, you must speak with the other driver. In most states, the law requires drivers to exchange contact information, including the following:
- License plate numbers
- Insurance information
- Driver’s license information
- Phone numbers
If the accident involved serious injuries or property damage, drivers may have to call the police. If a police officer doesn’t come to investigate the accident scene, you may have to file an accident report with the state.
Drivers might want to blame the other driver or try and calm the situation by saying they’re sorry. Like in criminal cases, anything you say can be used against you in a court of law if your personal injury case goes to court. There are some things you generally shouldn’t say. From admitting fault to unnecessarily raising tension, saying the wrong thing after an accident could cause more problems for you later on.
Below are four things people often say after an accident without thinking about it. These things can hurt your car accident claim, even if the other driver was at fault. Less is more after a car wreck.
‘I’m Fine’
You may not know if you are injured after an accident, even if you don’t notice any injuries. Many accident victims suffer shock after a car crash and simply ignore their injuries. Some injuries, including internal injuries or brain injuries, may not show signs or symptoms for hours.
If you say “i’m fine” or something similar, it may imply you are not injured. If you later file a claim for medical treatment, the other driver may claim the damages are false because you didn’t seek medical attention.
‘I’m Sorry’
Many car accident victims, still shaken by the accident, might feel the need to apologize. “I’m sorry” is something you may say to console someone. It doesn’t necessarily mean you are to blame. But it can be taken out of context. You may be sorry the accident happened, but you don’t have to say it to the other driver.
Car accidents are unfortunate for everyone. You must deal with law enforcement, talk to your insurance adjuster, and deal with other driver’s insurance company claims process. You can be sorry that it happened, but you don’t have to tell the other driver you are sorry because you may not be at fault.
‘It’s Not Your Fault’
In many states, car accident liability is based on fault. The at-fault driver may be financially responsible for damages. You may not have all the facts available and are unsure who was at fault for the accident. The accident could have been caused by the other driver’s negligence, your negligence, motor vehicle defects, hazardous road conditions, or a combination of factors.
Don’t make assumptions about fault or liability at the accident scene. It is better to let the police and insurance companies work out how the accident happened.
‘We Don’t Need To Report This’
For a minor accident, you may not want to deal with the police or an insurance claim. The other driver may even offer to accept money to avoid reporting the accident. Reporting the accident and getting a police report can protect your legal rights. It can avoid problems if the other driver later claims that you caused a hit-and-run accident.
If you were in a car accident and need help getting fair compensation for your injuries, contact a car accident lawyer for help. A personal injury attorney can help you recover money for your medical bills, lost income, and property damage. The insurance company may not offer a fair settlement, so understand your legal options before settling your claim.
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