In the middle of Atlanta, being involved in a car accident can be stressful and overwhelming. You may suffer an injury, be worried about the damage to your vehicle, and wonder what evidence you need to collect.
While you will likely speak to the other driver and the passengers in the other vehicle involved, and you should trade information with the other driver, if you say the wrong things, it may damage your ability to recover compensation for your injuries and damages.
While it may seem natural to apologize after a wreck, even if you aren’t at fault, this can be used against you as an admission of fault. Even when the collision was your fault, you should not say “sorry” since it can be used against you.
After an accident, one of the best things you can do is to get in touch with an Atlanta car accident attorney. They can offer advice and guidance regarding what you should and should not say.
What to Avoid Saying After an Atlanta Car Accident
After an accident, you may want to apologize in some way to the other person involved. While being polite is a virtue, it can also be detrimental if you plan to seek compensation. Even though “I’m sorry” is the most obvious and common apology you should avoid, there are a few others to avoid, as well.
It is also a good idea to avoid the following phrases after an Atlanta car accident:
- I did not see the stop sign
- It was my fault
- You didn’t do anything wrong
- I didn’t see you
- I didn’t know I was speeding
- I was not paying attention
- My bad
- My apologies
- I thought I would beat the yellow light
While you can show concern for the injuries that may have impacted you, another driver, or the other passengers, this is as far as it should go. The truth is, being courteous and kind will help to alleviate the frustration or anger that you or the other person involved may be feeling.
The key is to remember that being courteous does not include apologizing or admitting fault.
What You Can Say After an Atlanta Car Accident
After being involved in an accident, you should call for help right away. Once reported, you can talk to the other vehicle driver to make sure they are not injured. Even if they are injured, avoid apologizing. It is best to keep your conversation as short as possible to make sure you don’t admit fault in any way.
Hire an Atlanta Personal Injury Attorney for Help
You should also get in touch with an Atlanta personal injury attorney as soon after the car accident as you can. This will help ensure that you do not admit fault to the insurance company or anyone else you may speak to. Having legal representation will pay off and help ensure that you can receive compensation down the road.
