What Not To Say After You’ve Been in a Car Accident

Car accidents are stressful and unfortunately, there’s no way around that. Even if you’re the most level headed person, when your car is crumpled and the other driver is visibly frustrated, emotions run high. You may find yourself saying things you later wish you hadn’t. In the heat of the moment it’s easy to make statements that might not be in your best interest.

 

That’s where we come in! At Steinberg Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen it all: car accidents, truck accidents and everything in between. We know how to protect your rights but more importantly we know what not to say in the aftermath. So let’s dive into the most common mistakes people make and how you can avoid them!

 

 

It’s totally natural to want to brush off the situation and act like everything is okay. After all you’ve just been in an accident and no one wants to deal with the aftermath. But one of the most common mistakes we see is when people say “I’m fine” right after an accident.

 

Even if you don’t feel hurt immediately it doesn’t mean you’re not injured. Some injuries, like whiplash, concussions or soft tissue damage, may take hours or even days to show symptoms. It’s absolutely recommended to seek medical attention after the accident even if you feel like you’re just shaken up.

 

Here’s the thing: If you tell the other driver or the police that you’re fine it could make it harder to pursue a claim later. Insurance companies will often use your statement as evidence that you weren’t seriously injured. If you don’t get checked out by a doctor and an injury becomes apparent later it could affect your compensation.

 

• Tip: Always, always, always get checked by a healthcare professional even if you don’t think you need to. Your health is the most important thing and you want to have a clean medical record that shows you took all the necessary steps after the accident.

 

 

Many people are naturally apologetic especially if they feel like they were partially at fault. But here’s the deal: Don’t admit fault right away especially if you’re not 100% sure. Even if you’re feeling guilty jumping to conclusions could cause you a lot of problems later on.

 

In a car accident, liability can be tricky. There are multiple factors at play including weather conditions, road hazards and the actions of other drivers. Sometimes what seems like your fault may not be your fault at all. You might be partially at fault or there could be other contributing factors that you aren’t aware of yet.

 

For example if another driver ran a red light you might think you were in the wrong for not being more careful. But if the other driver was legally at fault admitting that it was your fault could hurt your case and affect your ability to claim compensation.

 

• Tip: Instead of saying “it’s my fault” simply exchange your insurance information and let the police and your lawyer investigate the accident. Remember the truth will come out through the investigation.

 

 

Look, we get it. You just want to move on from this entire mess and the idea of wrapping it up right there at the scene is appealing. But here’s the thing, the accident itself is just the beginning.

 

Once the dust settles there are insurance claims, medical bills, potential legal battles and a long list of other things to deal with. You’ll likely be dealing with the aftermath for weeks if not months.

 

A big mistake many people make is thinking the incident is over when the cars are off the road. But it’s not that simple. Insurance companies will be combing through the details and if you’ve said something hasty it could come back to haunt you.

 

• Tip: Be patient with the process. The real work begins after the accident so don’t rush to close the book. Having a car accident lawyer by your side can help guide you through the maze of paperwork, settlements and legal requirements.

 

 

In the moment you might feel like just getting everything over with. The last thing you want is to go through the hassle of long legal procedures. But here’s the deal: settling an accident claim too quickly without fully understanding the extent of your injuries or damages can be a huge mistake.

 

Many insurance companies will offer you a quick settlement after an accident. They’re betting you’re in a rush to get back to normal and they’ll offer you a lowball settlement. But here’s the problem: Once you sign that settlement you can’t go back and ask for more money later if your injuries turn out to be more severe than you realized.

 

For example what if you think your back is just a little sore now but a few weeks down the road you discover you have a herniated disc? Or maybe you experience long term effects from whiplash that you didn’t initially feel? If you’ve already accepted a settlement you’ll be stuck with the amount they gave you. No matter how much your injuries cost you in the long run.

 

Tip: Never settle for a quick payout without consulting a car accident lawyer first. They can help you evaluate the full scope of your injuries, damages and long term needs. The last thing you want to do is sell yourself short.

 

 

To some, lawyers can seem intimidating and the idea of dealing with one may seem like overkill. But the truth is, you need a lawyer.

 

A car accident lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of your case from dealing with insurance companies to getting the compensation you deserve. Insurance companies are experts at protecting their own interests but you’re not alone when you have a lawyer fighting on your behalf.

 

The other driver’s insurance adjusters will try to get you to settle quickly and for less than you deserve. They’re not looking out for your best interests. That’s why it’s necessary to have a legal expert on your side to ensure you don’t get taken advantage of.

 

• Tip: A car accident lawyer can do all the heavy lifting like gathering evidence, negotiating with insurers and if necessary representing you in court. Your lawyer will protect your rights so you don’t have to.

 

 

We know calling the police might seem like an extra hassle, especially if it seems like a minor accident. But do not, and we repeat, do not, avoid calling the authorities. A police report is very important for documenting what happened during the accident and who is at fault.

 

Without a police report it becomes a he said, she said situation and it can be much harder to prove who was responsible. Plus insurance companies may question the legitimacy of your claim without the official documentation from law enforcement.

 

• Tip: Always call the police to the scene of the accident even if it seems like a minor fender bender. It’s important to have an official record of the accident.

 

 

Car accidents are traumatic enough without the added stress of worrying about what you said afterwards. While it’s easy to make mistakes in the heat of the moment taking a step back and following the right steps can make all the difference in the world when it comes to your future.

 

Remember saying the wrong thing could hurt your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. That’s why it’s so important to avoid common mistakes like admitting fault, rushing into settlements or downplaying your injuries. If you’ve been in a car accident your next move should be to contact an experienced car accident lawyer. With the right legal representation you can make sure your rights are protected and you’re not left with a smaller settlement than you deserve.

 

Need help dealing with your post-accident situation? Contact Steinberg Injury Lawyers today and let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.