There is no shortage of confusion, stress, and adrenaline after a car accident. Unfortunately, this all can be very disorienting and may cause you to say things that will harm your injury claim later. You will need to speak to the other driver, but what you say may have a dramatic effect on your case. Read on to learn why “sorry” shouldn’t be one of the words that leaves your mouth.
Why Can’t I Say Sorry?
It’s natural to want to blurt, “I’m sorry!” in times of stress and uncertainty. We probably were taught to apologize and be polite, even when it isn’t our fault. After an accident, however, this can cause insurance companies, the other driver, and even law enforcement officer to think you’re at fault. If you’ve been injured because of the other driver’s negligence, this can be a very dangerous position to be in. Here’s why.
Sorry Can Be an Admission of Fault
Fault is critical to a car accident case, and if you are not at fault, you need to ensure you are recognized as such. If you admit fault, or are understood as admitting fault, your insurance may use this fact to deny you coverage. The other insurance company also may use this admission to deny your claim, since you admitted to causing the accident. Should your case go to court, your apology may even be admitted as evidence against you.
Sorry Can Be Evidence of Culpability
Even if your apology isn’t clear enough to be considered an admission of guilt, you sorry still can be used to assign some percentage of fault to you. This may be used to reduce or even completely deny compensation, simply because you were partially at fault. Remember that insurance companies will try to prove that you are even the smallest bit at fault, since this can reduce the amount they owe you.
You Don’t Know All the Facts
Saying “sorry” can potentially complicate your personal injury case, especially when you don’t know all the facts. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and it is quite possible that you may feel like you could have done something to prevent the crash. It may come to light that there was nothing you could have done, or even that the other driver was committing a serious crime when the crash occurred, thereby removing any blame from you. Apologizing preemptively can make your claim far more complex than it needed to be.
Sorry Can Distract You
After an accident, there’s plenty to do. The safety of everyone on the scene should be the top priority. Instead of apologizing, focus on ensuring that everyone is okay, and getting help for anyone who needs it. You also should call law enforcement to make a formal report of the accident. In addition to getting a police report taken, you also should be taking pictures of the scene, gathering the information of the other driver, and talking to witnesses. Doing all this leaves very little time for apologies.
Insurance Companies Want You to Say Sorry
It can be easy to forget it, but insurance companies are looking to protect their own best interests—not yours. They may attempt to get you to make a statement, bait you into an apology, or otherwise get you to say something they can use against you. Insurance companies put profits over people, which is why it is crucial that you only ever speak to an insurance agent with your attorney present.
Protect Your Claim with Our Brooklyn Car Accident Attorney - (888) 918-9890
After a car accident, it can feel like a whirlwind of information and requests and documents. Unfortunately, it can be very easy to say the wrong thing, and harm your claim. At Belushin Law Firm, P.C., we are dedicated to protecting you and you claim. Our Brooklyn auto accident lawyers know the techniques insurance companies to harm your claim, and we will help you fight back.
Don’t wait to get help! Contact our team to schedule a free case evaluation and begin your claim today. Call (888) 918-9890.