Why You Should Never Admit Fault In A Car Accident
Posted on June 27, 2022 in Motor Vehicle Accidents
When you are involved in a car accident, you could be physically and emotionally exhausted and overwhelmed. However, it is important to recollect your thoughts and calm yourself down before speaking to the other party or police. By making common mistakes such as apologizing to the other party or the police and admitting responsibility for the accident, you may be depriving yourself of your compensation for your injuries and damage to your car and may be subjected to a lawsuit by the other party. Even if you feel like you are responsible for the accident or wish to apologize out of pure and good intentions, you should not do it as you may be held financially responsible for the accident. Here are some reasons why you should never admit fault in a car accident.
No Legal Requirements to Admit Fault
Even if you are responsible for the accident, you are legally not required to admit fault. Most people have a misconception that if they apologize and accept responsibility for the accident and their fault, they can speed up the legal process and move on with their lives. However, by admitting fault, it may result in your insurance company having to pay damages, the accident will also be reflected in your driving record and your insurance premiums would increase.
Jeopardize Your Ability to Recover Compensation
By admitting fault after the car accident, you may be prevented from getting any compensation for your injuries or damage to your car. This compensation could include car repairs, medical bills, and the time that is taken off work to rest because of injuries. This can vary depending on where you live as different states handle the contributory fault in different ways. Even if you believe that you are at fault for the accident, you may still be entitled to receive compensation and money. States such as New York which has a comparative fault law allow the fault to be shared between parties for both parties to receive compensation regardless of who is responsible for the accident. Insurance companies are in the business of making profits and would be quick to jump on statements and use them to their advantage, especially if a driver apologizes. This may result in your insurance claim being rejected and legal consequences. Admitting liability may also invalidate your insurance policy. Moreover, if you did admit fault and go back on your admission in court, later on, it could be considered perjury which has serious legal consequences and makes you liable to lawsuits.
Your Statement Can Be Used Against You
If you have apologized verbally after an accident, there is a good chance that police who are at the scene of the accident or a witness could have heard you and recorded down your words. Moreover, statements which you make to police officers at the scene of the accident are put into an official report which can be assessed and referred to by insurance companies and lawyers. By admitting fault, not only will it be difficult to recover your damages, but it also increases your risk of being subjected to a personal injury lawsuit.
Why Choose Pazer, Epstein, Jaffe & Fein, P.C.?
Our lawyers will pursue maximum recovery and ensure that you are well compensated for any damages you receive. Our team can provide invaluable legal advice and insight regarding your options and course of action.
Avoid saying or doing anything that may negatively impact your case. Contact a motor vehicle accident attorney today.