Words to Choose Carefully at Your Car Collision Scene

After being involved in a motor vehicle collision, what you say to the other driver and law enforcement can impact whether or not you recover the compensation you deserve for all accident-related damages. Knowing what to say and what to avoid doing following a car crash can protect your legal rights and will increase your chances of a successful claim.

What to Avoid Saying After a Car Crash

Following a collision, you may feel overwhelmed, stressed, and disoriented. However, it's important to avoid saying certain things that can harm your claim.

After an automobile accident, avoid saying the following:

I'm Sorry

Apologizing to the other driver or law enforcement may seem harmless, but it can actually hurt your claim. A claims adjuster will consider this an admission of fault and will try to use your apology as a reason to deny your claim or pay you less than what you deserve.

I Didn't See You

Telling the other driver you didn't see them can also be considered an admission of fault because it gives the impression that you were not paying attention.

It's My Fault

When speaking with law enforcement or the other driver, never admit fault. Do not admit fault even if you believe you were responsible for the collision. Fault is determined through an accident investigation.

I'm Not Hurt

If the other driver or law enforcement asks if you're okay or if you have been injured, tell them you don't know, even if you feel fine. There are certain types of injuries that will not present symptoms for several hours or several days following an accident. If you say you are not injured when questioned by the other driver or law enforcement, this can be used against you if you are diagnosed with a serious injury after the accident. A claims adjuster may believe you were injured at some point after the accident.

I Was in a Hurry

Saying you were in a hurry implies that you were speeding and driving recklessly. When speaking with the other driver or law enforcement, stick with the facts only and do not provide any unnecessary information.

What Not to Do After An Accident

While there are many things you should never say at the scene of an accident, there are also certain actions you must avoid at the accident scene and while the accident is under investigation. By avoiding these steps you can protect your legal rights and your claim.

Delaying Reporting to Insurance

Report the auto accident to your insurance company as soon as possible. Most insurance companies will require policyholders to report an auto accident within 48 to 72 hours. Delaying this notification could result in complications with your claim.

Do Not Speak to the Other Driver's Insurance Company

While the other driver's insurance company may contact you after the accident and seem helpful and friendly, the goal of the claims adjuster is to minimize pay out or deny your claim. If possible, avoid speaking with the other driver's insurance company and refer them to your car accident lawyer instead. An attorney will handle all interactions with the insurance company. This is done to protect your claim by preventing you from accidentally saying something that may harm it and to prevent the insurance company from harassing, intimidating, or pressuring you.

Delay Medical Attention

Do not delay getting medical treatment after a car crash. If you wait several days before you seek medical treatment, the insurance company may claim that you were injured at some point after the accident. You must seek medical care as soon as possible to protect your health and your claim. Doing so will link your injuries to the accident.

Miss Doctor's Appointment

If you fail to make it to every doctor's appointment, the insurance company can use this against you to claim that your injuries are not as severe as you say they are. It's important to make it to every appointment and keep any documentation you receive for treatment.

Don't Follow Doctor's Orders

Your doctor may give you certain restrictions, such as an amount of weight you can lift, bed rest, or they may not clear you to return to work. You must follow their instructions carefully. If a claims adjuster finds out that you are not following your doctor's instructions, they can use this as proof that your injuries are not as severe as you say they are.

Do Not Post About the Accident On Social Media

An insurance company will pay attention to your social media accounts. If you post about the accident or post photos of yourself participating in activities you should not be doing, such as sports or working out, they can use this as evidence that your injuries are not severe.

Ignore Legal Advice

While hiring an attorney is not required by law, doing so can help you fight for the fair settlement you deserve.

If you hire a car accident lawyer, follow the legal advice they give. Hiring a car accident attorney can protect your rights and help you recover maximum compensation for your losses. During this time, your attorney will handle the accident investigation. They will gather vital evidence that can be used to help strengthen your claim and prove liability.

Follow your car accident lawyer's advice closely. Allow them to handle all communication with the insurance company, and refer anyone involved in the collision to your attorney.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident caused by negligence, contact MVP Accident Attorneys today to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced car accident lawyers are ready to listen to your story, assess your case, and provide expert legal guidance tailored to your unique situation. We understand the challenges you face after an accident, and we are committed to fighting for the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you seek justice and the compensation you deserve.