Finding yourself in a car accident situation can be scary. It doesn’t matter how big or small the incident is, or how much damage is done, it’s natural to want to exchange information and get out of there as quickly as possible.
However, in doing so, it’s common for a lot of people to apologize for the incident, even when they don’t believe they’re at fault. This is important to think about because saying sorry during the time of an accident can cause serious problems for you from a legal standpoint.
While it may be tempting to say sorry and move on, today we’re going to explore why you shouldn’t say sorry, and how you should deal with a situation like this.
Why You Shouldn’t Say Sorry
The most important reason for not saying sorry during a car incident situation is because you’re admitting fault at the scene which makes it a lot harder for you to fight your case once the insurance companies are involved.
If you haven’t done anything wrong, why would you be apologizing? It’s difficult to determine who’s at fault during an incident situation due to stress and emotional factors. It will be up to the insurance companies to decide who was at fault, so leave it for them.
The Law Against Saying Sorry
For clarity, even if you do accidentally say you’re sorry at the scene of the incident, this doesn’t by law mean that the accident was your fault. Going to court and giving a statement that you said sorry doesn’t mean you’re admitting guilt, but it will make it a lot harder to prove your innocence if you have.
Be Aware of the Details
During an incident situation, it’s important that you exchange details with the other party. However, be mindful of how you’re presenting your details as this can be construed as a way of you apologizing.
For example, if you’re writing your number down and detailing it as ‘Mike, the guy who hit you in at the gas station,’ this choice of wording is placing you at fault, and there’s proof that you said it.
Fault Cannot be Decided at the Scene
If you got in an accident and the cause of the incident is unknown, it’s relatively impossible to decide there and then who was to blame. Even when the police arrive to take details and record the event, the decisions won’t be made then and there as to who caused it. This is the job of the insurance companies.
When you’re at the scene, the best thing to do is say as little as possible. Even if the other party is intimated you to admit fault and blaming you, remain calm and collected. You are well within your rights to remain silent until the police the arrive. What the other party is saying as no legal stand.
In fact, if the other party is being overly aggressive and assertive that it was your fault, this could be an overcompensation to the fact they know they were. Stand your ground and know your rights.
Summary
We all know that being in an inevitable car accident can be extremely stressful, but it’s vital that you remember to stay calm. Nothing is going to be sorted out until the insurance companies are involved, so play by the rules for the fairest results.
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