Car accidents are caused by various reasons including brake failure, other cars, speeding, humans, animals, drunkenness, inanimate objects, etc. We hear of car accidents every day of our lives and hope we don’t get into one. Car accidents can be very frightening and can cause great damages to cars, humans, and others involved. But when they happen, there are certain things we are not supposed to say. Below are three things we shouldn’t say after a car accident.
It’s my fault
When an accident happens, never used the sentence “it’s my fault. This is because you might not have a clear picture of the accident and then taking the blame for it can put you in serious trouble with the authority. You may falsely be admitting to someone’s fault without knowing it. Do not admit the accident was solely your fault because aside from being in trouble with the authorities, you might end up been depressed or feeling guiltily for the accident which can affect your mental health. Check immediately on the well-being of the involved parties of the accident if you can do so but never accept it’s your fault.
I’m fine
After an accident happens, aside from physical injuries, there might be internal injuries that may appear days or weeks after the accident. When involved in an accident, never say “you’re fine”, “you’re okay”, “you’re not hurt”. Make sure you get checked properly by the medical team and also run some tests before you declare yourself as “okay”.
I’ll settle the bill
Immediately after an accident, never say you will settle the bill or pay for damages involved.
Make sure you have the facts right and every detail concerning the accident. Ask for insurance covering the damaged vehicles. Consult with an attorney before you try to pay for an extra cost concerning the damages.
More Tips: What Not To Do After A Car Accident
After a car accident, it’s important to take certain steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights. Here are some things you should NOT do after a car accident:
- Do not leave the scene: If you’re involved in an accident, you must stop and exchange information with the other driver. Leaving the scene of an accident can result in criminal charges.
- Do not admit fault: Avoid apologizing or saying anything that could be interpreted as an admission of fault. Even if you think you caused the accident, it’s best to avoid making any statements until you have spoken with an attorney.
- Do not sign anything without reading it: Be careful about signing any documents or accepting a settlement offer without first consulting an attorney. Signing a document could waive your right to seek additional compensation later.
- Do not move injured individuals: If someone is injured, do not move them unless they are in immediate danger. Moving an injured person could make their injuries worse.
- Do not forget to call the police: Even if the accident seems minor, it’s important to call the police to document the incident. A police report can provide important evidence if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit later.
- Do not delay seeking medical attention: Even if you don’t feel injured immediately after the accident, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Delaying medical treatment could make your injuries worse, and it could also weaken your legal case if you decide to pursue a claim.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can help protect your safety and legal rights after a car accident.
Conclusion
Accidents are unplanned for and they can be difficult to manage when it happens especially in severe cases. After an accident, it is important you know the right things to say and not to say so it won’t be used against you especially when a court case is involved. Don’t blame yourself for the accident, make sure you are medically fit and don’t try to explain how the accident happens, be sure you get enough details about the accident before admitting anything and don’t say you’ll settle the bill invoking damages.
About Herrman & Herrman Personal Injury Lawyers
With over 100 years of combined experience among the legal team of Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., our Texas personal injury attorneys have successfully resolved over 20,000 cases. When representing injured Texas residents, we fight for justice against wrongdoing and aggressively pursue the best resolution to complex personal injury claims.
If you or a loved one was injured, please contact us for a free initial consultation and case evaluation. Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., is a locally based law firm focused on holding negligent individuals and companies accountable for their wrongdoing. We are not a personal injury mill that advertises nationwide. We provide individualized advocacy in attending to all aspects of claims that involve. Our firm has offices in the following locations: Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi South Side, Brownsville, McAllen, San Antonio, Houston, and Ft. Worth, TX.
We remain by our clients’ side, handling all aspects of their claims and attending to all legal, medical and financial needs. That dedication is combined with experience, legal knowledge, and insight from a former insurance adjuster and several former insurance defense attorneys. Whether our clients are suffering from physical pain from an accident or the emotional grief of death, we treat clients with compassion. We put their mind at ease during difficult times by answering their questions concerning the length of their claim, medical bills, financial compensation and their overall need for a lawyer.
