No matter what kind of car accident occurs, it can be a traumatic and difficult situation. However, when the accident is potentially your fault, either entirely or partially, the whole incident can be made even worse. Not only do you need to deal with potential repair, transportation concerns and expenses, but if you are blamed for the accident you can expect your car insurance premiums to rise significantly as a result.

Car Bump Aftermath? Do NOT Say:

After a car accident, a lot of what is said can be recorded and used in court. Outright admissions of guilt are one of the main ways to determine who was at fault and therefore who will shoulder the burden of paying for repairs. Even if you suspect that the accident was your fault, you should avoid saying anything of that nature until the whole accident has been made clear. Here are the three main things you should never say after a car accident.

1. It’s My Fault

An outright admission of guilt is the worst thing you can say following a car accident, as well as the most incriminating. Even when you think you were potentially at fault, it is best to avoid saying along these lines. Instead, simple ask questions about the accident, trying to reveal as little about the situation from your side as possible. Contact your insurance company straight away or speak to bystanders but avoid direct admissions of wrongdoing to the other driver or drivers involved in the accident.

2. I Didn’t See You

Often a statement of this nature can imply that you were at fault because you didn’t see the other driver. However, there are actually plenty of reasons that you didn’t see the other vehicle in time. It may have been foggy or raining, the other driving may have had their headlights off or they may have even been driving so quickly that you were unable to react quickly enough. Rather that admitting that you didn’t see the other driver, ask why the other driver was in that position in the first place. This puts them in a position of defense rather than the other way around and may eventually reveal that you are not actually at fault for the accident.

3. I’m Sorry

There are lots of reasons why people might potentially say that they are sorry after a car accident. Often they are simply sorry that the accident happened in the first place, or sorry that the other driver will now be late to work due to the accident. However, an apology like that can actually be used in a court of law as an admission of guilt rather than just a kind statement. Therefore, you should avoid saying that you are sorry and simply be polite and courteous to show that you are empathetic instead.

Since the statements you say after a car accident can be used in court to determine the cause of the accident, it is important never to say those three incriminating statements listed above.

Christopher Jensen is a writer and car enthusiast offering advice on how to get an auto insurance quote for those looking to save money on iowa auto insurance coverage.