It takes a moment for accidents to occur. since crashes are not expected, they are frightening at the moment and often seem to bring a jolt to your life. If you are someone who has been involved in a road accident, it might be obvious to you what happened and you may find yourself responsible for the crash. If the pollution doesn’t seem too bad, it might be tempting to leave the scene of the accident and move on with your day. Admitting fault might seem like the best option but this is not always so.
Most car accidents have lasting impacts on your finances and mental health. Whether or not it is okay to accept fault after a car accident is something that your lawyer will advise you on. Read more on how a car accident lawyer can help you proceed with your personal injury claim.
It is never advised to admit fault after a car accident
Even though you may think you were partly responsible for the accident, you should never admit your fault. If you make the mistake of accepting your fault, this will put you at risk of not receiving the compensation that you are actually entitled to. There are several at-fault states in the US where you can still receive a part of your compensation amount even if you are proven to be guilty. However, accepting your fault in a car accident will diminish your chances of having a justified case.
Be aware of the insurance companies
Unless you have spoken with your car accident attorney, it is never advisable that you should admit fault at the scene of the accident. If you do so, insurance companies have a legal responsibility to cover your damages. It is your insurance company that will have to pay for the damage done to your property as well as the other party’s property. Don’t forget the fact that the insurance company of the other party will always want you to accept fault so that the responsibility lies on you and not on them.
Steps to take to avoid accepting fault in a car accident
It is common that you will be under immense pressure after a car accident because a lot is happening around you. However, that shouldn’t make you weak enough to accept your fault. Here are a few steps that you might take to avoid accepting your fault after a car accident.
- Stay away from polite apologies
- While sharing objective details about the accident with the police, be honest about what happened. Never lie to the police or exaggerate in order to make the other party seem more responsible
- Never speak with the insurance companies without the presence of your lawyer
- Appoint a car accident attorney immediately
It must be clear to you that accepting fault after a car accident can damage your chances of receiving the compensation that you deserve. This is why it is better to work with a legal professional who can give you the right advice on what to say and what not to say in front of the police and insurance companies.