An automobile accident’s early aftermath may be perplexing, stressful, terrifying, and disorienting. This is true even if the accident was minor, so image how unhappy you will be if you or another person has been injured.
Many of us have been taught to say “sorry!” if we believe we have injured or inconvenienced another person, regardless of who is to blame. While saying “sorry!” when someone stumbles into you while strolling through the airport or when the flight attendant hits your elbow with the drink cart isn’t harmful, an automatic apology after an automobile accident can be harmful.
Why?
Because anyone overhearing your apology could believe you’re admitting fault for the accident.
You may simply mean “I’m sorry you’re harmed or unhappy” or “I’m sorry this occurred,” but if all you say is “sorry,” witnesses to the vehicle accident will have no idea what you’re talking about. They could inform the police that you apologized after the accident, and your apology would be recorded in the police report. The insurance company will very probably try to use this against you after that.
Remember that insurance companies are businesses with their own bottom lines to protect. This means they’re constantly searching for methods to cut the amount of compensation they have to pay out in the event of an accident. They’ll exploit your apologies to shift responsibility away from their insured.
Of course, the evidence might indicate that the policyholder made a mistake that resulted in the disaster. However, if the evidence is ambiguous, or if it’s probable that you committed a mistake that led to the accident, expressing “sorry” might lead to you being assigned at least partial blame.
If you are found to be at fault in the vehicle accident, it will be difficult for you to obtain full and reasonable compensation for your injuries. If you are entirely to responsible for the accident, you will not be able to collect any damages, and if you are only partially to blame, you will only be compensated for a portion of your losses.
So, what are your options?
Apologies should be avoided at all costs. Instead, inquire if the other drivers are injured and assist them in obtaining any required medical attention. This manner, you can show that you care about their well-being without saying anything that may be misinterpreted as taking responsibility for the mishap.
Consider contacting an automobile accident attorney like The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker as soon as the EMTs and police have been sent. We can assist you in preserving evidence from the accident site and putting you in the best possible position to pursue full and fair recompense for your injuries and suffering. We may be reached at 800-333-0000.
