4 Things Not to Say After an Accident

A car accident can leave everyone involved feeling overwhelmed and confused. You may be wondering what to do and how to conduct yourself in the presence of the other people involved in the collision. 

What you say after a car accident can work for or against you. Being thoughtful about what you say and how you conduct yourself can make a significant difference at the accident scene and during the car accident claim process. Learn what not to say after a crash by following these helpful tips. 

“I’m Not Hurt”

Prevent minimizing the value of your car accident claim by saying these words. Even if you don’t feel injured after an accident, it is still in your best interest to seek medical attention. 

Injuries sustained from a car accident may not appear until hours or days after the collision due to the influx of adrenaline your body may produce at the time of the accident. Do not state you are free from injury or state any injuries at the accident scene. “If you give a description of your injuries, you may not be able to include any injuries you discover later or have forgotten about,” note accident experts at Manchin Injury Law Group, “do not discuss your injuries until you have the opportunity to make a comprehensive list.”

Common car accident injuries include:

• Burn injuries
• Torn ligaments
• Broken bones
• Brain injuries
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Whiplash

“I’m Sorry”

What may sound like an innocent phrase to reduce tension after a collision may actually reduce the amount of money you can recover in your car accident claim. Saying “I’m sorry” when things are inconvenient or to help diffuse tension may be a normal part of your life, but a car accident is a time to hold back on using this phrase. 

Apologies can be interpreted as an admission of fault or guilt, insinuating you were responsible for the accident. Prevent using this phrase to avoid getting a low-ball offer on your settlement amount. 

“That Was My Fault”

Never admit fault after an accident, even if you think you were at fault. Refrain from admitting to any type of unsavory driving behavior, like failing to signal or being distracted. Oftentimes the police report will paint a different, full picture of the collision. 

You are not under any type of legal obligation to admit fault. If you give a statement, only state the facts and do not give more information that what is necessary. 

“I Accept”

Do not accept an insurance company’s offer right away. Instead, consult with an experienced car accident lawyer in your area to learn about all your options for financial compensation. 

Insurance companies avoid spending as much money as possible, often at a car accident victim’s expense. Some insurance companies will use intimidation tactics to convince a car accident victim to take a quick low settlement offer. Most accident lawyers offer free consultations to help victims understand what types of compensation they can recover, including:

• Lost wages
• Past and future medical bills
• Disfigurement
• Lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Loss of consortium

Protect Yourself By Watching What You Say

After a car collision, avoid saying these four phrases to help protect your legal right to compensation and maximize your financial recovery. Do not let the pressure of other drivers involved in the collision or the insidious tactics of the insurance claims adjuster force you to say something you will later regret. You are your own best advocate after a car accident, so watch what you say!