Why You Should Never Admit Fault in a Car Accident
You should not admit fault in a car accident because it can prevent you from successfully collecting compensation for your losses. Even if you believe you are partially to blame, it’s not a good idea to express that to the other driver, police, or insurance companies. Instead, seek the counsel of a car accident lawyer immediately. Riddle & Brantley believe that Justice Counts for injury victims in North Carolina, and we are ready to help however we can. Please call us today at 1-800-525-7111 to discuss your case.
Am I Required to Admit Fault at the Scene of an Accident?
You are not required to admit an accident was your fault — avoid admitting guilt before you speak with an attorney. Sometimes people believe admitting fault will speed up the claims process so they can move on with their lives. However, the moment you admit fault in a car accident, you may open the door to significant consequences:
- Your insurance company could be required to pay for damages.
- Your insurance premiums might increase.
- The accident could negatively impact your driving record.
- You may not receive the compensation you deserve.
Whether you’re addressing the other driver, the police, or the insurance company, choose your words carefully. In fact, it’s best to avoid these phrases:
- “I didn’t see the other driver.”
- “I’m sorry.”
- “The accident was my fault.”
If you’ve been in a car accident, contact us at Riddle & Brantley because Justice Counts, and we want to help you get maximum compensation.
Four Reasons Why You Should Never Admit Fault
Admitting fault after a car accident could be a costly mistake. Here’s why:
Admitting Fault Can Hurt Your Claim
Even a minor car accident can come with significant expenses. When medical bills, car repairs, and other costs pile up, the financial stress can be overwhelming. The good news is you may be able to recover money for the accident. However, when you admit fault in North Carolina, you could be barred from recovering compensation.
Changing Your Statement is Tricky
When you admit guilt to a police officer, your statement will be put in an official report, and after that, changing it may be difficult if not impossible. When insurance companies go to investigate the accident, they will see your admission of guilt in the report and act accordingly. As a result, you could be barred from receiving compensation, your insurance premiums could increase, and you may face a personal injury lawsuit if the other driver were injured.
You Could Be Confused
Even if you have no apparent injuries, accidents cause significant psychological stress. As such, you may not be thinking clearly after the collision and risk making inaccurate admissions or falsely apologizing for an accident you did not cause. If a police officer is questioning you at the scene, keep your answers as simple as possible and do not offer an opinion on what you think happened. However, always be honest with law enforcement and remember that anything you say can and will be used against you.
You Don’t Have All the Facts
How the accident occurred may seem obvious, but you don’t have all the facts. For example, a defective car part could be to blame, or the other driver may have been distracted or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Hiring a lawyer will help you get a more accurate picture once all the facts surface.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Riddle & Brantley
At Riddle & Brantley, when you contact us after a car accident, we do everything we can to assess the facts and secure the best possible outcome for you and your loved ones. We know this is one of the most stressful times of your life, and we strive to navigate you through the legal process with the aggressive representation you need to win. For a FREE, no-obligation case review, please call 1-800-525-7111.
Our North Carolina car accident lawyers have a proven track record of recovering multi-million-dollar settlements and jury awards for our clients (see disclaimer below). You have nothing to lose by calling us today. You won’t owe us a dime in attorney fees unless we win compensation for you. Justice Counts!
*Disclaimer: The results mentioned are intended to illustrate the type of cases handled by the firm. These results do not guarantee a similar outcome, and they should not be construed to promise or guarantee a particular result in any particular case. Every case is different, and the outcome of any case depends upon a variety of factors unique to that case.