3 Things Not to Say After a Car Accident

Three Things a  Lawyer Knows You Should Never Say After a Car Accident

After a car crash, you may be worried about what to do. But it is just as important to know what not to do, or specifically, what not to say after a car accident.

Any lawyer with experience has seen plenty of drivers say exactly the wrong thing in the aftermath of a collision. If you can avoid these mistakes, you give yourself a much better chance of obtaining the recovery you deserve after an accident – and avoiding liability for things that are not your fault.

1) Never Say “I’m Sorry” After a Car Accident

If you are a polite, compassionate person, it may be your first instinct to say “I’m sorry” after anything unpleasant. You might mean that statement in the best way. You could simply be saying you are sorry that someone is going through a challenging experience. But when you say, “I’m sorry,” you allow someone else to make a different interpretation.

All too often, the words “I’m sorry” are used as an admission of wrongdoing. So, you need to fight the urge to be polite. In fact, it is often best to say as little as possible until you have the chance to get advice from a Tallahassee car accident lawyer.

2) Never Say “I’m Okay” After a  Car Accident 

Once again, this is an example of a situation where good manners can get you in trouble. It is polite in our society to assure others that we are “okay” even when we are not. Avoid the temptation.

First of all, right after an accident, you do not know if you are okay. You may be suffering physical or emotional injuries that could take years to heal. An experienced car accident lawyer in Tallahassee knows that often these ailments do not become apparent until later.

Second, if you tell someone you are not hurt and later discover that you are suffering from injuries, you may be perceived as a liar when you try to recover compensation to cover your medical bills and other expenses. It is best to wait until after a thorough medical examination before saying anything about your condition.

3) Never Say “I Think” After a Car Crash in Florida

A Tallahassee car accident lawyer knows that what you say after an accident can and will be held against you by someone. This could be another driver involved, their insurance company, or even your own insurer.

If you have to give information, make sure that it is information you are certain about. Stick to the facts and avoid giving an opinion that could incriminate you without cause.

Talk to a Car Accident Lawyer Before You Say Anything Else

The most innocent, polite phrases can cause serious problems for you after a car accident. It may go against every fiber of your being, but you need to fight the urge to be helpful or polite to protect yourself.

A knowledgeable Tallahassee car accident lawyer could help you provide statements and answer questions without saying something that could be twisted or taken out of context and used against you. If you have been in a car accident, call us at 888-549-7011 or contact us online now to learn we can help right from the start.