The scene of an accident is certainly not easiest place to think clearly. Emotions are running high and the stress can make it very difficult to find the right words to say, let alone process the collision in general.
Unfortunately, you can do everything right behind the wheel and still be involved in an accident that was simply out of your control. It’s important to keep in mind, however, that there are several statements you should avoid saying at the scene of an accident, especially if the crash wasn’t your fault.
In the following article, we will discuss what phrases can hurt your legal claim and potentially stop you from getting maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. If you have any questions about getting legal representation in Utah, you can contact our car accident lawyers with The Advocates below.
What Shouldn’t I Say at the Scene of an Accident?
One of the most common mistakes people make at the scene of an accident is giving an admission of fault. If you were not the at-fault driver, here are the following statements you should avoid saying to help maintain a strong legal claim.
- Do Not Say the Accident Was Your Fault- While this may seem like an obvious statement to avoid, many drivers unintentionally admit fault to a collision they didn’t cause. This is one of the most detrimental statements you can make and is usually said in the heat of the moment. Admitting guilt to an accident that wasn’t your fault can drastically impact how you are compensated for your injuries and the damages done to your vehicle.
- Do Not Apologize for the Accident- For whatever reason, it’s human nature to sometimes apologize for things we didn’t do. When involved in a collision, an apology can often be mistaken as an admission of guilt by the at-fault party’s insurance company and legal team. While you may want to say “I’m sorry” to help ease the tension from the crash, keep in mind that you have nothing to be sorry for and your apology can held against you.
- Do Not Speculate or Give Inaccurate Information- If you’ve been asked for a specific cause of the crash and do not know the exact answer, do not speculate or give inaccurate information. Giving a statement without concrete evidence can make it difficult to prove the other driver’s negligence if the information you’ve given is incorrect. You don’t want the at-fault party to misconstrue your words and portray you as the driver responsible for the accident.
- Do Not State “I am okay” or “I am fine”- Another common mistake accident victims make is giving statements about your state of well-being. While you may not notice your injuries at the scene of the accident, it’s very important to understand that some injuries take days or even several weeks to notice. Making a statement about your general health can be used against you and the validity of your injuries.
It’s no doubt that being in a collision can be traumatic for everyone involved. To avoid making statements that can harm your legal claim, it’s best to only speak about what is absolutely necessary. This includes sharing contact and insurance information, as well as gathering witness statements from the scene of the crash.
When to Contact The Advocates Law Firm
If you were injured in an accident through no fault of your own, you should contact The Advocates right away. You will need an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. While you focus on recovering, our legal team will take of the rest and get you the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait. Contact The Advocates today at 801-657-4604 or chat with an attorney here on our homepage. You deserve an Advocate.