In this day and age, knowing the proper steps to take following a car accident is a valuable skill. Subsequently, knowing what to avoid is also very advantageous.
Never say these three things after a collision:
#1 – I’M SORRY.
Saying you’re sorry after a car accident—even if it’s clearly not your fault—can put you at a serious disadvantage. Regardless of who is to blame for the accident, saying you’re sorry is often seen as an admission of guilt in the eyes of insurance companies.
Avoid the knee-jerk reaction to apologize in order to ease the tension of the situation. It may feel awkward, but you’re protecting yourself from liability.
#2 – I THINK…
It’s unwise to speculate or make assumptions about the accident. When providing your account of the collision to the investigative police officer, be open, honest, and transparent. That means if you’re asked certain questions you don’t know the answers to, tell that to the officer. Rather than trying to make up an answer, simply tell the police that you don’t know. Doing this can save you major headaches down the line.
#3 – I’M NOT INJURED.
Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, it’s never wise to say you are unharmed after an accident without first seeking medical care. It’s best to say that you don’t know if you’re injured rather than proclaiming you’re unharmed right off the bat.
Some injuries take time to present themselves, which means you won’t necessarily feel them immediately after a wreck. For instance, many victims who experience whiplash don’t feel any symptoms for hours or even days following an accident.
Play it safe and say you don’t know rather than you are uninjured.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident, we may be able to help you obtain the justice you deserve. Don’t hesitate—contact our office right away to see if we can help.
