What Not to Say at the Scene of an Accident

The scene of a car accident can be a very hectic place. Nerves are usually jangled, emotions are running high and trying to remember all the right things to say isn’t exactly first on the agenda when dealing with a collision.

Sometimes you can do everything right behind the wheel only to end up having another car crash into yours, causing significant damage and stress. It’s important to understand, however, that there are some statements you should mindful of in the aftermath of a crash. What you say can potentially come back to haunt you if you decide to seek compensation for your injuries and losses later down the road.

In the following article, we will explain what words may hurt your legal case, how your statements can be misconstrued or misunderstood and when you should call a car accident lawyer with The Advocates.

What Shouldn’t I Say at the Scene of a Crash?

One of the most common mistakes car accident victims make at the scene of a crash is giving an admission of fault. Even if you don’t directly admit you were at-fault, there are certain statements that can allude to an admission of fault. Here are a few words you should avoid:

• Do Not Apologize After the Accident by Saying “I’m sorry”– While apologizing after a collision occurs, whether it was your fault or not, may come as instinctual for most people, it can be considered an admission of fault. If the other driver is responsible for the accident, then you have nothing to be sorry for and you should let your car accident attorney determine liability with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
• Do Not Say the Accident Was Your Fault– This may seem like an obvious statement to avoid, but it can be easy to accidentally admit fault in the heat of the moment. In fact, many drivers unintentionally blurt out to the other driver that the collision was their fault. Sometimes we do this out of anxiety or mid-panic, but easing tension with an admission of guilt can impact how you are compensated later on.
• Do Not Say “I am okay” or “I am fine” After the Accident– Another simple mistake accident victims often make is saying that you are okay or giving any statement along those lines. If you plan to file a personal injury claim, this phrase can be used against you and the validity of your injuries from the accident. It’s true that some accident injuries take days or even weeks to notice. You may not have symptoms at first but this does not mean they aren’t there.
• Do Not Speculate or Give Inaccurate Information– Accidents occur for many reasons, the most common being a driver’s negligence. However, you should never speculate about the exact cause of the crash without concrete evidence. Your statements can be misconstrued and turned into a different narrative portraying you as the at-fault driver. Leave the speculation up to the insurance adjusters and the accident investigators.

In addition to statements you should avoid saying at the scene of an accident, it’s possible that even correct statements can be misinterpreted. Car accident witnesses might mistake a statement such as “I was paying attention” for “I was not paying attention.” It’s important to only speak about what is absolutely necessary, such as insurance and contact information.

When to Contact a Wyoming Car Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one were recently injured in a car accident, you should contact The Advocates right away. Determining liability is the most important step in building a successful personal injury claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company.

Here at The Advocates, our car accident lawyers are dedicated to you and getting the recovery you deserve. Don’t wait. Contact us today at 307-466-0003 or use our Live Chat feature on our homepage. You deserve an Advocate.