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Lever & Ecker, PLLC March 20, 2023 Car Accidents
If you have suffered injuries in a car accident through no fault of your own, the aftermath is more than likely an overwhelming situation. When you talk to the other person involved, you may not know what to say and what not to say to protect your rights and prevent a negative impact on your potential claim against the at-fault driver. Therefore, having a knowledgeable car accident lawyer by your side is crucial to avoid these mistakes and ensure nothing you say can be used against you. At Lever & Ecker, PLLC, we have the experience and skills to help you pursue your claim.
We have over 65 years of combined experience working on all types of New York car accident cases. Our compassionate lawyers approach every claim with dedication and unwavering advocacy to fight for your rights and a successful resolution, which we have done successfully for thousands of clients. Due to the complicated nature of these claims, we communicate the terms of your claim, including phrases to avoid saying after your accident, so you fully understand the scope of your claim and how your words can impact the result.
Understanding what phrases to avoid after a car accident can make talking to the other party and the police much less stressful. While verbal missteps are common, you cannot take back your words in person or on social media. Therefore, we suggest refraining from using certain phrases after a car accident:
After a car accident, you may feel inclined to apologize to the other person, even if the accident was not your fault. While you may be trying to offer empathy, an apology of any sort could negatively impact your claim because saying “I am sorry” could be used as an apparent admission of your liability.
Car accidents often happen quickly, making it difficult to process what happened right away. During this time, you may say, “I did not see you” or “I did not see the other driver” to the police. Even if you think you are partially responsible for the accident, you should not discuss what you did or did not see because the facts of the accident are still unclear. Saying you did not see the other person could serve as evidence that you admitted liability for the crash.
While you may feel fine after an accident, you should not say so in response to someone asking if you are okay or need medical attention. Some injuries may not show symptoms for days or weeks, so immediately seeing a professional can avoid these concerns. Furthermore, saying you are fine after a crash could harm your claim’s credibility. Insurance companies may use this statement to argue your injuries came from another source, or were manufactured.
If you were involved in what you assume to be a minor car accident, you may think you and the other driver could settle the issue yourselves. However, New York law requires any car accident resulting in over $1,000 of damage to be reported to the DMV or police. Therefore, attempting to resolve the issue without the police or lawyers could make you miss the opportunity to fight for your rights. In addition, suggesting not to involve the authorities could be used as evidence that you knew you caused the accident and wanted to avoid repercussions.
After sustaining injuries in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it is crucial to consider what you say to protect your rights. An experienced lawyer can avoid common mistakes and improve your chances of achieving your deserved compensation. Our award-winning team at Lever & Ecker, PLLC, can provide guidance on what not to say to police or insurance companies and speak on your behalf.
New York car accident claims are confusing, but with our 65+ years of combined experience and consistent communication, you can completely understand the process and your legal options. We handle every aspect of your claim with the utmost care and attention, giving you a stress-free legal experience. We are always prepared to go to trial for you if necessary. To schedule a consultation, call (914) 288-9191 or (718) 933-3632 for our Bronx office, or fill out our contact form.
