The aftermath of a car accident can be a blur of confusion and emotion. It’s not always easy to manage your words after such a shocking event, but it’s essential to understand that they carry significant weight, and saying the wrong thing can have significant consequences.
To help you protect your rights after a collision, take a look at this guide to what not to say after a car accident from Burch Law Firm.
Why Your Words Matter After a Car Accident
It’s essential to choose your words wisely after a car accident. Anything you say can affect your personal injury claim, should you decide to pursue compensation. That not only means saying the right things, but also not saying the wrong things.
5 Common Phrases to Avoid (and Why)
It only takes a few simple words to cause serious complications with your car accident claim. Be sure to avoid saying any of the following:
1) “I’m Sorry.”
It’s not uncommon for car accident victims to apologize to another driver even though they didn’t do anything wrong. Even a simple “I’m sorry” can come across as an admission of fault. Never apologize. Remain polite and let your attorney sort out the rest later.
2) “It Was My Fault.”
Admitting fault in a car accident can significantly harm your car accident claim. You may believe you contributed to the crash, but the truth is that you don’t have the information needed to make that assessment. Accepting blame can only harm you. Focus on sharing facts, not assigning blame.
3) “I’m Not Hurt.”
Adrenaline can mask pain, and some injuries, like whiplash or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms until long after the accident. Claiming you’re unharmed before you’ve had the chance to see a healthcare provider can make recovering the financial compensation you deserve more difficult.
4) “Let’s Not Involve the Police or Insurance.”
It may seem like a big headache to involve the police or insurers, but choosing not to can ultimately be far worse. Texas law requires you to file a report for any accident involving injuries or significant property damage, and most insurance policies require notification of any accidents. Always call the police and your insurance provider, no matter how minor the crash.
5) “I Don’t Need a Lawyer.”
Many drivers believe they can handle a minor accident on their own. However, pursuing a claim on your own can be a significant challenge that can cost you the compensation you deserve. Knowing when to call a lawyer after an accident is essential.
Understanding Texas Car Accident Laws
One of the critical Texas laws to understand is the comparative fault system. Under this law, each party that contributed to the crash is assigned a percentage of blame. Any party who is found to be less than 51 percent to blame can recover compensation for the accident. However, their compensation will be reduced in proportion to their percentage of blame.
Under comparative fault rules, if you were 40 percent at fault for an accident and were awarded $100,000, your total recovery would be reduced by 40 percent, so you’d ultimately receive $60,000. That’s why your words carry weight after a crash. Don’t give the insurance company ammunition to say that you were at fault in any way for the accident, and allow it to get out of paying you the compensation you deserve.
When to Contact a Texas Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve suffered injuries in a car accident, you need a skilled lawyer to protect your rights. The team at Burch Law Firm will fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on recovery. Contact us today for your free consultation.
