Things You Should Never Say After a Car Accident
After a car accident, there are many things that you shouldn’t say. Many people believe that, once the accident takes place, the police will help you determine that the other party is at fault and your claim will move along smoothly. However, this is not always the case. What you say is taken seriously and you might find that your claim is in jeopardy because you said something to risk it.
What you say at the scene of the collision and during any of the claims process is incredibly important and many individuals and entities will take it seriously. This means that it can have a huge impact on your settlement and whether or not you receive what you believe you are entitled to. It is important to speak with a car accident attorney and learn about the things that you should never say following an accident.
What You Should Avoid Saying After Your Car Accident
I Accept Your Offer: When you were not at fault for your accident, you will be contacted by the other driver’s insurance company. They might try to hit you with an offer, but you should never accept the first offer. Many insurance companies will offer you the absolute lowest they can for that first offer, thinking that you will accept and that they will not have to offer more. Your medical expenses might rise over the weeks and months after your accident, which is why you want to speak with an attorney about the best settlement number possible.
I Think That…: You will likely give many statements regarding your car accident after it has occurred. Some of these might take place between you and the police, the insurance companies, and your attorney. You always want to stick with the facts and never say that you “think” something happened. Instead, if you don’t know an exact answer, just simply say, “I don’t know.”
I’m Not Injured: If you tell the other driver or the insurance company that you are not insured, they will value this. However, if you later find out that your injuries are more severe than you initially thought, you might find that it is not possible to gain the compensation you deserve. Always seek medical attention before you talk about your injuries with anyone involved in the process.
I’m Working Without an Attorney: You have a right to tell the insurance company that you are exploring your representation options. However, you never want to handle a claim alone, especially when your injuries are serious. This could end in devastating results if you are denied a claim.
I’m Sorry: Yes, it makes sense to apologize after an accident. However, if you did not cause the accident, you do not want to apologize and completely jeopardize your claim. There are many things that you must understand about determining fault after an accident and you should always leave this to the police and insurance companies.
How an Attorney Can Help You Protect Your Rights
The aftermath of a car accident might be one of the most challenging things that you will ever endure. What you say and do could dictate how much you receive in compensation for aspects like lost wages, medical bills, and more. Speaking with a Florida car accident attorney might be one of the most challenging things that you have ever endured. At Sheftall & Associates, our skilled attorneys will help you work toward justice and reimbursement in your time of need. Please contact our law firm in Florida at 904-647-2296 to get started on your claim.