After an accident, insurance companies are going to want a statement to use against you as evidence. This is the perfect time for them to do so, because you’ll most likely be shaken up and won’t know how you should respond to the incident properly, especially if it is your first accident. However, there are statements that you should avoid if you don’t want to be held liable for the accident. A personal injury lawyer will warn you about giving any sort of statement, and in this blog, we’re going to go over some of the statements which could land you in deep legal issues.
Statements to Avoid
Car accident claims are meant to determine who was at fault for an accident. Those held liable often face the responsibilities of paying for the damages. Insurance companies look for statements made by each driver, as well as any witnesses, to determine who was responsible. This is where you should be cautious, as anything and everything you say at the scene of the accident will be used against you. A personal injury lawyer suggests that you avoid saying things like:
- I apologize
- I’m sorry
- I didn’t see you
- I didn’t mean to
While you might have the other driver’s best interests in mind and you might just want to check on them, this counts as admitting fault. Even if you know you weren’t in the wrong, these statements say otherwise.
A personal injury lawyer will also advise that you avoid saying that you’re “fine” after an accident. Never downplay the physical effects of an accident, because even the most minor injuries could develop into something much larger later on. Downplaying your injuries and saying that you’re “fine” will give the insurance company the opportunity to deny any medical coverage.
You should also avoid guessing about any details regarding the accident and giving any opinions. Let law enforcement and the insurance adjusters conduct their investigations. If you or someone you know are involved in an accident, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.