An alarming number of people will experience a car accident at least once in their life. Although we all hope that it will never happen to us, the truth is that it happens all the time, and it is important to be prepared so that you know exactly what to do in the chaos of a frightening and confusing situation. Knowing what to do “just in case” can help protect your ability to file a claim and recover compensation if you are ever injured in a wreck.
While there are many mistakes you can make following a crash, one of the biggest is saying “I’m sorry” to another driver or party involved in the collision.
When it comes to saying “sorry” after a car accident, here’s what you should know:
- Never apologize – In the heat of the moment, it may be a natural reaction to apologize to another driver or anyone involved in your wreck. While this may be a nice gesture, it can negatively impact your personal injury claim, should you choose to file one at a later time. This is because saying “sorry” or apologizing for any actions can be interpreted as accepting blame, even if you did nothing to cause the crash and it is entirely the fault of another. You should never say “sorry” and instead make sure anyone injured receives medical treatment, that the police are called, and that all information is exchanged.
- Never admit fault – Just as with apologizing, admitting fault can be interpreted as an acceptance of blame, especially by insurance companies that want to pay you as little as possible. By admitting fault, you provide insurance adjusters with the ammunition they need to defend against your claim and allocate fault to you. It is especially important to avoid admitting fault, not only because it can impact your case, but also because you might not be fully aware of the circumstances at hand. For example, you may think you are at fault when you really are not – another driver may have violated a traffic law or been driving while under the influence or distracted. Law enforcement, insurance agencies, and lawyers can better evaluate who is at fault.
- Speak to a lawyer – Regardless of what you said or did after an accident, it is always best to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer about your rights and the steps you can take to recover financial compensation for your damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, and more. Our attorneys can also assist you in investigating the crash, reviewing police reports, and determining who can be held at fault for your wreck and your injuries.
Your actions after a car accident can certainly affect your personal injury case, which is why it is important to be prepared for unforeseen. Still, you do have rights after an auto wreck that was caused by another’s negligence, and fault and liability can be accurately determined even if you erroneously apologized or accepted blame. Our attorneys at The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC can help you do just that.
At The Barrera Law Firm, PLLC, our Alexandria car accident lawyers have helped recover millions of dollars in compensation on behalf of victims injured in car wrecks throughout the state of Virginia. To discuss your accident and what happened after the crash, contact our firm for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout the region and have a proven record of success in car accident cases.
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