After suffering through a car crash, you may think it's simple etiquette to apologize to the other driver. Although this might seem like the polite thing to do, saying sorry after a crash can actually be harmful to your case. Doing so might cause others (including witnesses, insurance companies, etc.) to think that you are taking responsibility for the incident.
Even if you weren't actually responsible for what happened, an apology could be interpreted as an admission of guilt and harm your chances of getting fair compensation for damages or injury. Ultimately, for matters involving litigation or legal claims, it's always best to stay tight-lipped and contact a lawyer as soon as possible so that there are no misunderstandings about who was at fault.
Insurance Adjusters Use Apologies Against You After a Crash
It's terrible to be in a car accident, and being taken advantage of afterwards can make an already bad situation much worse. Unfortunately, insurance adjusters often use apologies against people involved in a crash. After a car accident, it may seem harmless for the other driver to apologize; however, adjusters take this as evidence of liability when deciding how much coverage to issue.
Apologies are not always meant as an admission of guilt or fault but just a simple "I'm sorry" leading to assumptions about the extent of damages by insurers. To protect yourself from these tactics, be sure to consult with an attorney when dealing with an insurer after experiencing a car accident.
Apologies Can Appear As An Admission of Guilty
Apologies are often seen as a sign of strength and an acknowledgment of responsibility. However, when given after an accusation of wrongdoing, these same expressions can easily be misinterpreted and viewed as admissions of guilt to the crime itself. Suspicious minds can quickly find fault with the sincerity or genuineness of a seemingly heartfelt apology and question its purpose.
Even though most apologies tend to come from a place of understanding, remorse and regret; they can still leave one side feeling wronged or slighted, resulting in further misunderstandings. It is therefore important that these gestures are used carefully and cautiously in times of contention.
If you need help with a car accident claim, call Grossman Roth Yaffa Cohen today at (866) 629-1061!