What Should You Avoid Saying After a Car Accident?
Everyone’s had those moments when someone taps their bumper and they simply apologize to diffuse the situation. Even though it comes with a good intention, it should never be said after a car accident of any kind. This well-meaning habit can actually put you in front of a bill you shouldn’t have to pay.
You Can Be Held Liable
No one wants to pay for the damage done to a vehicle after a car accident whether it belongs to them or not. Oftentimes people tend to blame the other driver in an attempt to get them to front the cost.
Not surprisingly enough, some people do not make the choice to take responsibility for their own actions and may choose to place all the blame on you instead. When the accident is reported it can quickly result in one party blaming another with no actual evidence to back up a claim.
Furthermore, if there are witnesses to the crash that see you get out of your vehicle and apologize, they will assume it is an admission of guilt and report it when asked by the responding police officer. This evidence can then be used in court against you when the judge makes their final decision. In other words, one small slip of the tongue can result in a lost case, and in some instances, an empty bank account if medical bills are also on the line.
Other Things Not to Say After a Car Accident
In addition to apologies, you'll want to avoid saying any of the following:
- "I'm not hurt." - You're not always going to see and feel every injury immediately after the accident. The soreness and damage are often only apparent after a few hours or even days.
- The names of other people - Keep your doctor, your family members, or anyone you know private. You may be requested later in court to share any information you told them.
- "I think..." - If you don't know all of the details of the accident, it's better to say that you don't know instead of trying to guess.
- "It was my fault." - This one is obvious most of the time, but it's important not to say this even if the accident seems like it is definitely your fault. There could be additional details that factor in.
Contact Our Arkansas Personal Injury Team Today
If you or a loved one accidentally apologizes after suffering an accident or says any of the above, you don’t want to leave your case up to chance. At Martin Attorneys, PA we are committed to making sure you are in the best position to succeed. With decades of experience on our side, we are able to quickly and efficiently evaluate your case to find the best outcome.
Get in touch with us today through our website or give us a call at (479) 888-2039 to find out how we can represent you after an accident.