Car accidents are terrible experiences and should not happen to anyone. However, carelessness from other drivers on the road often injures those who were careful in the first place. Taking the wrong steps after the accident can worsen things even more, so it is recommended to speak to an auto accident lawyer in Wytheville as soon as possible.
Lack of legal knowledge results in mistakes that can cost you. You may accept a settlement offer lower than your damages are worth, or you may say something wrong that makes you look like the culprit. Knowing what to avoid and what to say is crucial during such times. There are three things that you should especially avoid.
Avoid these three things after a car accident.
- Admitting fault.
If there were an award for the biggest mistake one can commit after a car accident, it would be admitting fault to the other party or the police officers. Your emotions are not in the right place immediately after an accident. You have various thoughts in your head, and you may say the wrong thing to the wrong person.
People often feel guilty after a car accident and say, “I am sorry, I should have been more careful.” However, a simple sentence like this can ruin your personal injury case and snatch all your chances of receiving compensation. You must not admit fault at the accident scene in Wytheville at any cost.
- Making assumptions about what happened.
After the accident, you may be questioned about it by several parties, including law enforcement, the insurance company, and possibly the other party’s attorney. It is important that you understand the facts of your case before making any statements.
And if you have not yet had time to determine details about the case or are unsure how the accident unfolded, do not make any statements. Making assumptions could result in you saying the wrong thing. Later, you could be looked at with suspicious eyes when you change the answer. This risks you losing credibility.
- Agreeing to give a recorded statement.
Even though you can carefully choose your words before answering, you should think twice before agreeing to give a recorded statement. The insurance company knows how to trick untrained and inexperienced minds and twist their answers into something they are not.
If you do wish to give a recorded statement, do not do so before consulting with your attorney first. Discuss with them what you should say and prevent saying.
