When you accidentally bump into someone while walking, you may instinctively say, “I’m sorry,” even if the other person was the one who actually bumped into you. In the event of a car accident, it may be natural for crash victims to apologize for the collision even if it was not their fault.
You must understand that whatever you say can impact your auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit. Unfortunately, your polite gesture can significantly harm your auto insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit and your ability to recover your entitled damages.
The following are several reasons why you should not apologize after being involved in a car accident:
Your apology could be interpreted as admitting fault – If you say you are sorry to the driver or even a police officer at the scene of the crash, they will believe you were responsible for causing the accident because you essentially admitted fault.
You haven’t gathered all the facts of the accident – Although you may believe you are to blame for causing the accident, you may not know the entire story. After a thorough investigation, you may learn that the other driver was speeding, intoxicated while driving, or otherwise negligent. Try your best to avoid jumping to conclusions before saying something you may later regret.
Insurance companies welcome apologies – Insurance companies do not look out for the best interests of their customers. Rather, they do whatever it takes to save money and make a profit from your premiums. Adjusters may use your admission of fault to either reduce your compensation or deny your claim entirely.
After being involved in a collision, you should reach out to an experienced car accident attorney to help you protect your rights and best interests. At Palmisano & Goodman, P.A., we have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of our clients for more than four decades.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in New Jersey, do not hesitate to contact our Woodbridge firm at (732) 709-4400 today for a free initial consultation.