December 22, 2024

Knowing What and What You Cannot Say After a Car Accident

If you were harmed in a car accident and believe you contributed to the crash, you may want to admit it to any person who asks. But, even if you may be partially responsible, admitting it could compromise your possible claim or even allow the other driver to pursue compensation. 

If your car accident resulted from the negligent behavior of another driver, and you think you are partially responsible, you must consult a houston car accident attorney. Your lawyer will review the facts and circumstances of your accident to know if you can pursue compensation for the injuries you sustained. 

What You Can Say While at the Crash Scene

Right after a vehicle crash, ask the other driver or passengers about their condition, if possible. You should stay at the crash scene and exchange names, insurance information, and contact information with the other parties involved in the crash. If someone witnessed the accident, make sure to also ask for their contact information. 

Moreover, report the accident to the authorities, so the responding officers can investigate. The officers may ask you about details like the direction you were traveling. Make sure to answer their questions truthfully and just stick to the facts.  You must avoid saying that can directly or indirectly imply your admission of fault. 

What You Can Say to the Insurance Company

An insurance company may contact you soon following the accident, so an insurance adjuster can speak to you before you can consult an attorney. Insurance adjusters know that you can be caught off-guard and tricked into saying something that could ruin your possible case, particularly during the first few days after you sustained an injury from the accident. Some of their tactics include taking blaming you for the crash or saying that your injury is not serious enough to warrant medical treatment and compensation from them. An insurance adjuster may ask you to provide them with a recorded statement; however, you are not obliged to do so, no matter what the adjuster may tell you. 

Be Careful What You Say Online and to Others

Insurance adjusters may troll through your social media account to find something they cause to contradict your previous statements. Your attorney may ask you to avoid social media while your claim is not resolved. When you continue to post on social media, you may end up posting photos and videos of you performing physical tasks or saying something negative about the at-fault driver. In fact, you may also post comments that you accept fault for the car crash. In addition, be careful about what you say to even your loved ones and friends.