Your Instinct to Apologize After a Wreck Could Keep You From Collecting the Compensation You Deserve

All you remember is the horrible crunching sound, the screech of tires, and crawling out of your car on Freeway 10 saying, “I’m so sorry,” over and over. Whether or not the accident was your fault has little to do with your panicked apology, but the unfortunate truth is that even empty apologies from a victim in shock can be used by insurance companies to limit the amount they ultimately have to pay for the victim’s injuries.

How a Panicked Apology Can Lead to Complications With Your Injury Claim

If you are the sort of person who ends up habitually apologizing when you are nervous or under stress, it’s important that you realize how easily these verbal habits can turn into a problem after an accident. When the other driver or the insurance adjuster hears you apologize, they may take it as an admission of fault for the accident. When these statements are used later during the claims process, without the context of the victim’s shock in the initial aftermath, that simple, habitual apology can end up wrecking your claim for compensation.

If you believe you may have already said or done something that may affect the success of your claim, don’t panic. You may still be able to take action and prepare for the challenges ahead—with a little help from a skilled attorney. Our Santa Monica legal team has the experience, knowledge, and resources to help you protect yourself and avoid mistakes after an accident, and we are only a call or a click away if you have questions about your injury claim. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today.