If you've been in a car crash—whether you sustained injuries or not—there are three things you should avoid saying or doing:
- Apologizing
- Making assumptions about what happened in the crash
- Making a recorded accident statement with the insurance company before speaking with an attorney
Saying sorry may seem like the right thing to do because it often feels natural, but it can actually harm your case down the road. Likewise, making guesses about what happened during the collision or giving a statement to the insurance company without talking to a lawyer first can lead to serious problems with your case down the line.
If you've been in a car accident, read on to learn more about what to avoid doing afterward in order to help protect your rights.
#1 - Apologizing After a Car Crash
Saying “I'm sorry” or “I apologize” after a car crash may seem harmless. This is often a knee-jerk reaction when something bad happens, whether you are responsible for the situation or not. But, believe it or not, apologizing can actually tremendously harm your case later on.
That's because an apology can be interpreted as an admission of guilt. And even if you didn't mean it that way or intend to admit fault, the other driver's insurance company may try to use your apology against you.
So, resist the urge to apologize even if you're feeling shaken up and just want to say sorry for what happened. It's better to wait until you've spoken with an attorney before saying anything that could be used against you later on.
#2 - Making Assumptions About What Happened in the Crash
Another thing to avoid after getting into a car crash is making assumptions about what you think might have happened. It is important to remember that you may not have all the facts at your immediate disposal. And even if you think you know what happened, it's best not to say anything until you've had a chance to speak with an attorney.
The last thing you want is to say something that could be used to shift part or all the blame for the accident onto you. So, avoid the temptation to make speculations about what happened during the crash. Just wait until you have all the facts before saying anything at all.
#3 - Making a Recorded Accident Statement With the Insurance Company Before Speaking With an Attorney
The third thing to avoid after a car accident is making a recorded statement with the insurance company before speaking with an attorney. The insurance company may try to get you to do this. But it's important to resist the urge.
That's because anything you say in a recorded statement can be used against you later on. You might say something wrong without meaning to, whereas by speaking to a knowledgeable car accident lawyer first, you can receive advice as to what to say (or not say) and how to phrase it so that you don’t inadvertently damage your case. So, even if the insurance adjuster seems friendly and is just trying to get your side of the story, it's best to wait until you've spoken with an attorney before giving a statement.
These are just three of the things to avoid after a car crash. If you've been in a collision, it's important to speak with our experienced car accident attorney from Scott J. Corwin, A Professional Law Corporation as soon as possible. Scott can help you understand your rights and options and will fight for the best possible outcome of your case.
Contact our office today by calling (310) 683-2300 or filling out the online contact form to discuss the details of your case and learn more about how we can help you. We offer free consultations, so there’s no reason not to reach out to someone from our team right away.
