After being involved in a car accident, feeling overwhelmed and confused is not unusual. The accident scene is likely chaotic, and you may feel frustrated, disoriented, and shaken. With so much going on, you may feel compelled to apologize for the accident, even if it wasn’t your fault.
Unfortunately, as any Corpus Christi accident attorney knows, a simple apology may jeopardize your ability to obtain a fair amount of compensation for the property damage or injuries you experienced.
Keep reading to learn some of the top reasons to avoid apologizing after you are involved in a Corpus Christi accident.
Apologizing Is an Admission of Fault
When you apologize for an accident, it may be considered an admission of fault. Saying “I’m sorry” or another form of apology at the scene of an accident creates a record of the apology. The insurance company will use this against you.
Remember, the insurance company is not on your side. They want to reduce the compensation you receive as much as possible. If you apologize, this is an effective way to do just that. While an apology may not result in you losing your complete right to compensation, it may reduce it significantly.
Focus On What Is Really Important
Rather than telling someone, you are sorry, ask if they are injured. You can also contact the authorities and emergency medical assistance for anyone who needs it.
After an accident, exchanging your information with the other driver is also wise. This includes your driver’s license, insurance information, phone numbers, and license plate numbers.
You Don’t Have All the Facts
Even if you think you were at fault for an accident, there’s no reason to rush into accepting responsibility. You need to wait until you have all the facts about what happened.
Let the authorities and your Corpus Christi accident attorney do their jobs and investigate the accident before you jump to any conclusions about who is at fault.
The Insurance Company
The insurance company for the at-fault party will call you after an accident to get you to accept responsibility for the accident. You should not admit fault or apologize in any way since this may impact your possibility of receiving compensation. You can talk to your Corpus Christi accident attorney and request that they handle communication with insurance companies to ensure you don’t say something that may be used against you.
What Options Do You Have if You Apologize at the Scene?
If you have been in an accident and apologized, you may think you have “blown” your chance of recovering compensation. This isn’t always the case.
Even if you said, “I’m sorry,” it doesn’t mean that you will be blamed or that you will be responsible for the other person’s injuries and damages. In many cases, your apology won’t be taken as an admission of fault if you were showing concern for the other driver.
Even though this is the case, you need to be more careful about what you say from that point on. When you exchange information with the other driver, only say what is necessary. Keep talking to a minimum and, if necessary, sit in your car and wait for the authorities to arrive at the scene.
It’s also recommended that you write down everything that happened. Take pictures of all the vehicles involved and the area around the accident. When the authorities arrive, be sure you tell your story and that it is documented in the police report.
Contact a Corpus Christi Accident Attorney for Assistance
If you have been involved in an accident, it’s important to try to stay calm to protect your rights. You need to avoid apologizing or saying anything else that may be seen as an admission of guilt. Regardless of the situation, hiring a Corpus Christi accident attorney is smart. They will help with your accident case and ensure you get the best possible outcome.
