What Not to Say After a Car Accident
Anyone who has been in a car accident knows the amount of adrenaline that starts pumping through your body. It’s a very stressful situation that can make us drop our guard right at the time we need to keep our cool. It’s safe to assume that anything said to the other driver or a responding police officer after a collision will be used against you, making it more difficult to file a claim and get fair compensation for your losses. Read on to learn what not to say after a car accident so you can protect yourself.
What Not to Say After a Car Accident
Apart from exchanging information and communicating with police officers, it’s best to say as little as possible after an accident. In particular, it’s important to avoid saying these six things after a crash:
- I’m sorry
As a kind human being, it may be natural to feel sorry for the other driver or passengers involved in your car accident – even if they were at fault. Even if their car appears totaled or they are injured or if you feel that you were partly at fault for the accident, do not utter the phrase “I’m sorry.” The reason this is such a big no-no is because it can be used against you to show that you admitted guilt or responsibility for the accident.
- We don’t need to call the police
When you’re in a minor accident it can be tempting to avoid calling the police for an accident report. In many cases, the other driver will attempt to pressure you into not calling the police. Do not cave into this. Every accident, no matter how serious, should be reported to the Bellingham Police Department. Calling the police for an accident report is really the only way to corroborate your side of the story. Insurance companies will use the accident report to help them determine fault for the accident, which greatly affects the settlement offer.
- We don’t need to exchange information
It is extremely important to exchange insurance information with the other driver after a car accident. Failure to do so can make it very difficult to file an accident claim. Do not let the other driver pressure you into not exchanging information – once they drive off it’s too late.
- Anything on social media
If you’re someone who loves to post updates about your life on social media, you must absolutely resist the urge to post anything about your accident. Anything you post on social media – including pictures of your damaged car or personal injuries – can be used against you and your ability to file an accident claim. In addition, you should avoid posting pictures of yourself out and about partying or hiking right after your accident as these could be used against you to prove that you weren’t injured.
- I don’t feel hurt so I am not going to a doctor
Whether you feel like you were injured right after an accident or not, it is very important to get a post-accident medical evaluation from a medical doctor. It is common to be so pumped up with adrenaline that you don’t feel the stiff neck or other symptoms of injuries kicking in until a couple days later.
- Anything to the at-fault insurer
After getting into a car accident, you must report it to your car insurance company. Provide them pictures and any details they ask for. It usually only takes a day or two for the at-fault insurer to give people a call. Never agree to a recorded statement or sign a settlement with them before speaking to an experienced car accident lawyer about the true value of your case. They are hoping you will say something to them on the phone that they can use to deny or reduce the value of your claim – give them nothing they could use against you.
Seek the help of a car accident attorney
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
