Car accidents can leave survivors feeling overwhelmed. In the midst of the chaos, one of your knee-jerk reactions might be to apologize for the accident, but it is crucial to refrain from making these types of statements no matter how natural it might feel to say it.Apologies Can Damage Your Claim
You might be wondering how a simple apology can be so damaging to your personal injury claim. It seems only right to apologize for something you wish never happened. Unfortunately, this little gesture of kindness can be twisted out of context.
Here are some of the reasons why you must never apologize after a motor vehicle accident:
- Apologies are seen as an acceptance of fault: If you apologize at the scene of an accident, it might look like you are admitting fault, especially if you say it to the law enforcement officer who writes up the police report. If the insurance companies find out about it, it could either reduce the amount of compensation you receive or derail your chances entirely.
- The accident still needs to be investigated: Even if you are apologizing because you believe the accident was your fault, it is still unwise to jump to conclusions. The accident still needs to be investigated and the results might prove that you were not at fault, so sit tight, and try not to be in a rush to accept the blame.
- There are more important things to worry about: If you feel bad about the accident, an apology is not going to make it better. Instead of focusing on giving an apology, see if there is anything you can do to be of assistance. If someone is injured, call the paramedics. If no one is injured, now is a good time to start exchanging information or taking pictures of the scene of the accident. With so much on your plate, now is not the time to give an apology.
After an accident is not the only time you should avoid apologizing for the accident. You should also remove that word from your vocabulary while speaking to the insurance adjuster. Remember, the insurance adjuster’s job is to protect the company’s interests, so he or she will be looking for damaging statements that can affect your claim. Do not give them the ammunition they need.
Speak to a Compassionate Personal Injury Attorney Today!
At Christian & Christian, our personal injury team has over 100 years of collective legal experience, which we will use to your advantage. If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident that was someone else’s fault, reach out to our knowledgeable team for the exceptional legal services you need to obtain fair compensation for your suffering. Our attorneys are committed to providing personalized solutions and one-on-one attention, so you can achieve the best possible outcome for your case. You do not have to pay for someone else’s mistakes with us on your side.
Contact our law office today at (864) 408-8883 to schedule a free initial case review with a member of our team to learn more about what we can do to help you.