Most people end up saying “I’m sorry” since they don’t realize what else they should say in such an uncomfortable and harrowing situation.
Others say out loud, “I’m sorry,” as a way to express some concern and sympathy. And then there are some people who say “I’m sorry” after a vehicle accident because they genuinely feel the need to apologize for what they’ve managed to cause.
So, what will a professional personal injury attorney advise you about apologizing after an accident?
Let’s find out:
Apologizing After A Car Accident: What Should Be YOUR Approach
Your focus should be on exchanging insurance information rather than expressing your personal opinion about the accident and who is the party to blame for the whole situation. In fact, you don’t even have to communicate to the insurance organization if the other driver is at fault.
Legal Impact Of Saying Out Loud You’re Sorry
If you get into a car accident and you’re at fault, then you realize at that moment that the other vehicle’s driver is not responsible. However, like most cases, you’re probably not sure who’s at fault when you’re in an accident. You can head to the other driver and find out whether or not he needs an ambulance.
Remember that “I’m sorry” is not admissible in a court of law or makes you liable. Typically, the legal rule dictates that some actions and statements that show sympathy toward an injured individual are straight-up not admissible in a court of law. The idea to have such a rule is to encourage more settlements rather than trials.
How Saying “I’m Sorry Can Impact Your Legal Case
Apologizing right after an accident can work against you legally in more than one way.
Against Personal Injury Claim
According to the New Haven personal injury attorneys at Weber & Rubano, apologizing after an accident might turn against you when filing a claim. In fact, the witnesses, other driver, and police officer can state in the official report that you immediately apologized. Consequently, it may make you unable to get your compensation.
Even if it feels like saying “I’m sorry” is the right thing, don’t. And that’s because it would be accepting fault for the vehicle accident. Besides, you don’t have all the relevant information. So, the best approach is to avoid saying “I’m sorry” right off the bat, which might work against your injury claim.
Insurance Providers
Insurance firms look for any issue where they don’t have to cover your well-deserved damages. Make sure to work with a professional attorney who can handle proper communication with your insurance provider at your behest and negotiate fair compensation.
Remember that the other driver can also report that you apologized after the accident, and the insurance provider can use this to block your claim.
Admissibility Of Fault Statements
So, fault statements are not admissible. Well, benevolent gestures don’t eliminate at-fault statements. Your injury lawyer can use this evidence to prove liability and bump up your chances of getting the damages. The moral of this story is that folks like to get apologies. It’s a human thing to do. It doesn’t hurt to say “I’m sorry” after an accident. However, be careful about making at-fault statements.
It might feel natural to say, “I’m sorry,” right after an accident, and you might even think it’s your fault. In retrospect, you shouldn’t utter “sorry” or another apology word in such a situation. Once you’re in an accident, make sure to reach out to your legal team without delay.
