You’ve probably heard that if the police arrest you in New York, anything you say could be used against you. This also applies to car accidents. Even a minor statement made in the heat of the moment could have a huge impact on the case going forward.
Should you apologize when you get into a car accident?
When you get into a car accident, your first instinct might be to apologize regardless of whether you were at fault or not. This might not sound like an admission of guilt, but even saying “I’m sorry” could make you liable for the accident. Once you’re legally liable for the wreck, your insurance company has to pay out the benefits.
After an accident, you can talk to the other driver to see if they’re okay and get their contact information. However, don’t say anything that might implicate you in the accident. It’s best to say as little as possible until you get in touch with your car accident attorney. Even if the other driver blames you for the accident, don’t agree with them or accept fault. They might remember this and use it against you later.
What if you were at fault for the accident?
If you believe that you caused the accident, it might seem like a lost cause. However, it’s difficult to assess fault immediately after an accident. The other driver might have contributed to the accident or even caused it outright.
Instead of admitting fault, get in touch with an attorney so you know what to do next. Some states don’t require either driver to admit fault. Regardless of the situation, you might still be eligible for a payout, so it’s important to talk to an attorney before you do anything rash like admitting that you caused the accident.