If you were involved in a car accident that wasn’t your fault, this could be a confusing time. Everyone responds differently to stressful situations, and we never know how we will react in advance. There are things you need to know about how the words you say now can impact your future.
Unfortunately, in the year 2020, there were about 40,000 crashes that caused injuries on Louisiana roadways. You can’t plan ahead for an accident to happen. However, you can be prepared by knowing several specific things not to say to the other driver.
Do Not Say, “I’m Sorry”
When we are involved in an experience that involves damage to another person’s property, we often quickly want to say that we are sorry. This is understandable as it is an attempt to be kind and polite. It can be such an automatic reflex that we may not even know what we are apologizing for yet.
Even if the other driver is hurt, you should not say “I’m sorry” as a way to comfort them. This could later be used against you to make the case that you are at fault for the accident.
Do Not Admit Fault
The moments after an accident can be overwhelming and confusing. You may be wondering what just happened, and your heart is likely racing. This is not a time to speculate about the details or the cause of what you just experienced. You may believe that you are at fault for the accident, and this may or may not be true.
Even if you believe that you remember certain things that occurred, you should keep these to yourself. In the haze following an accident, you probably do not know whether or not these “memories” are facts. You should speak with an experienced personal injury attorney about your case. They can perform an investigation to gather the facts of what happened and determine who is at fault.
Do Not Say, “I’m Not Hurt”
After an accident, it’s crucial to check on every person who was involved in the crash. When someone asks us if we are OK, it’s normal to want to respond with a statement such as “I’m fine.” You need to be aware that what you say in this case can have legal implications.
You likely are still experiencing adrenaline that could make it seem like you are not hurt, even if you are. In addition, some injuries do not immediately present symptoms. These can include whiplash, internal bleeding, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Only a doctor can diagnose your injuries, so it’s important to receive prompt medical attention.
Do Not Say, “Let’s Handle This on Our Own”
A motor vehicle crash is a serious incident. It can happen in the blink of an eye and yet cause significant injury and damage to property. Because of this, it’s crucial that all persons and vehicles involved are professionally examined to determine the extent of injuries and property damage. You need to call the police after an accident so there is a record of the crash.
Part of the process of determining what happened will include an investigation into the accident. There will be a significant amount of documentation that needs to be collected as evidence and analyzed. Among other elements, it’s critical that this includes the police report and medical records. You do not want to end up in a situation where it is simply your word against the other driver’s word. This can make pursuing compensation for your losses much more difficult.
Do Not Say Anything About What You Were Doing
The other driver may be visibly upset or angry. They may be shouting at you or asking many questions. Even if you are attempting to help calm them down, you should not say anything about what you were doing at the time of the accident.
This includes things such as “I was distracted” or “I didn’t see you.” Both statements could be used against you later. You similarly should not make any statement about what you were or were not aware of at the time of the crash.
Contact Veron Bice, LLC Today
If you’ve been injured in a traffic accident that was caused by someone else, you may be entitled to receive financial compensation. You need to discuss your case with an experienced Lake Charles car accident lawyer.
Call Veron Bice, LLC now at 337-310-1600 to speak with one of our Louisiana attorneys. We can guide you through this frustrating time. Our lawyers are ready to schedule a free consultation with you.
