Did You Accidentally Admit Fault After A Car Accident?
Did you get into a car accident that wasn't your fault, but the other driver is saying that you admitted liability? If so, you may be wondering how that will affect your ability to receive compensation to pay for your injuries. Here is what you need to know about when you accidentally admit fault.
Anything Said To The Other Driver May Be Used Against You
It's natural to go up to the other driver of a car accident and ask them if they are okay. However, it is important to be very careful about the words that you use when doing so. If you say that you are sorry about what happened, even if it is in a way to express compassion about their injuries, the other driver may try to use it against you. Saying that you are sorry may be viewed as you are admitting fault for the accident since it can come off as an apology.
A Police Officer Will Make A Report
Anything that you tell a police officer at the time a report is made will be documented. That is why it is very important to be careful with your words when you tell your side of the story. If there was a detail that did not directly lead to the crash, it is in your best interest not to share it.
For example, if you were driving down and you were facing the sun, you may have had the sun in your eyes a little bit. If the sun didn't play any role in you getting into the accident, it is not worth mentioning it. Your statement could be taken to mean that you couldn't see the road because the sun was in your eyes.
A similar problem can happen if you did not see the driver at the time of the accident. If the driver went through a red light and you claim that you did not see the driver hit your car, it could be implied that you were not looking both ways as you crossed the intersection. This could end up attributing some level of fault towards you, which will reduce your injury compensation
Your Doctor Will Document What You Said
When you visit the doctor and are discussing the accident, know that they are taking a statement as well when it comes to how the injury happened. If you accidentally admit fault by saying something that is not accurate, your statement may be recorded in medical documents that will be reviewed later.
If you're involved in a car accident case, contact a personal injury attorney for help.
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