When you’re in a motor vehicle accident, it’s easy to blurt out something that may seem harmless but can end up hurting your accident claim, especially if you hit a car. Many accident victims make the huge mistake people often make, they say “I’m sorry” or “It was my fault.” These words might feel like the right thing to say, but legally, they can be a costly mistake.
Knowing what not to say at the accident scene can protect your rights, your insurance coverage, and your chance of securing fair compensation. In South Carolina, where fault impacts insurance claims and personal injury claims, one wrong word can derail your entire settlement process.
Why Your Words Can Damage Your Case
What you say can become an admission of liability. The insurance company or insurance adjuster will often look for statements that imply fault. These detailed statements, even if they sound like innocent observations, could be interpreted as accepting blame.
A single sentence, like “I didn’t see the other driver,” can lead an insurance carrier to deny your claim for damages or reduce your compensation for vehicle repairs. Even statements about the extent of damage or the type of damage can be dangerous if they’re speculative or inaccurate.
Most Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let’s dive into some of the most common mistakes that drivers make after auto accidents:
1. Saying “I’m Sorry”
This might seem polite, but it can easily be taken as an admission. It may suggest you were the party guilty of the collision.
2. Admitting Fault
Statements like “It was my fault” or “I didn’t see the red light” can hand over liability to you before the official police report or police officers even arrive.
3. Making Offers to Pay
Telling someone “I’ll pay for the damage” or “Let’s not involve the insurance company” is risky. It bypasses your insurance policy protections and might violate legal protocols.
4. Downplaying Injuries
Avoid saying “I’m fine” when asked about injuries. Many medical bills from auto crash injuries surface days later. Admitting you’re okay can make it harder to tie later symptoms to the crash.
5. Guessing What Happened
Saying “I think the other driver ran the light” or “Maybe I was speeding” creates uncertainty. Leave the investigation to experienced car accident lawyers, accident attorneys, and law enforcement.
What You SH Not to Say When You Hit a CarOULD Say (and Do) at the Scene
Instead of making accident injury claim blunders, focus on these responsible actions:
- Call 911 and ensure a crash report is filed.
- Gather insurance details and contact info from the other party.
- Photograph the scene, property damage, and vehicle positions.
- Note the damage until law enforcement arrives and documents it.
- Ask witnesses for their witness statements and contact info.
- Get medical treatment right away, even for minor symptoms.
By doing this, you build a strong auto accident claim and avoid unreasonable settlement offers.
How Insurance Companies Use Your Words Against You
An insurance adjuster is trained to extract information that can benefit the insurance carrier , not you. The more you talk, the more you risk saying something that undermines your case.
They might use your words to:
- Reduce the insurance payout
- Deny the accident claim
- Offer a quick settlement that doesn’t cover all your losses
- Misinterpret your statements about injuries or damage estimates
The less you say, the better. Provide only basic facts and avoid accepting or shifting blame.
Understanding the Role of Police Reports
A police report serves as a neutral documentation of the event. These police reports help with:
- Establishing fault
- Providing credibility to your version
- Supporting your personal injury attorney or auto accident lawyer during negotiations
Never skip reporting the crash. In South Carolina, filing a proper report is essential for building your case and initiating a compensation claim.
Talking to the Insurance Adjuster
Once your insurance company or the at-fault driver’s insurance company contacts you, stick to these key principles:
- Share insurance adjuster basic information only.
- Do not estimate the extent of damage or property damage repair cost.
- Avoid saying you were speeding, distracted, or at fault.
- Ask them to coordinate through your auto accident attorney contact or legal representative.
- Do not agree to a settlement offer without review.
Avoid These Mistakes in the Days After the Crash
After your motor vehicle accident, emotions calm, but mistakes continue. Watch out for these:
- Posting on social media can hurt your compensation claim.
- Not seeing a doctor , missing documentation of medical treatment.
- Ignoring advice from skilled car accident lawyers.
- Accepting a quick settlement without checking the total medical bills and lost wages.
Also, avoid conversations with the other driver’s insurance company unless your Columbia car crash attorney is present. They might try to shift a portion of liability to you , even just 10-20% liability can reduce your claim significantly.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Though this blog avoids discussing services, one thing is clear , having guidance from those who understand the Department of Insurance regulations, Automobile Insurance Fraud red flags, and settlement process is invaluable.
Mistakes made in the days and weeks following a crash , especially during insurance claims and property damage assessments , can dramatically impact your recovery. Never assume you’re getting sufficient compensation without legal review.
Final Checklist: Protect Your Claim
- Don’t say “I’m sorry”
- Don’t admit fault
- Don’t speculate
- Don’t negotiate on the spot
- Don’t accept the first settlement offer
- Don’t delay medical treatment
- Do gather witness statements
- Do get a police report
- Do document all damage estimates
- Do save all medical bills and receipts
- Do speak carefully with the insurance adjuster
Call The Ted Law Firm Today
At Ted Law Firm, committed to helping accident victims across South Carolina understand how to avoid common mistakes after auto accidents .We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg. By knowing what to say , and what not to say , you protect yourself from undue liability and strengthen your chances of receiving the compensation you deserve .Contact us today for a free consultation,
