Resist the urge to talk after a car accident

You are in the car, rushing to pick up the kids from your mom’s. She had been looking after them while you went to buy groceries. The shopping took longer than you thought it would, and you don’t want to make her late for her hair appointment; as you know, she has been looking forward to it for months.

Then you hear that sickening crunch, that can only mean one thing. You’ve had a car crash. Your mind is going a million miles per hour and you are just about to start explaining how you were in a rush, and you are so sorry. Fortunately, you stop yourself and remember what your friend who works at the insurance company told you: If you have a car accident, say as little as possible.

These are some things you should never say if you have a car accident:

• That it was your fault: The other driver’s insurance company will pounce on it if you say you were at fault in any way. Even saying sorry could count against you.
• That you are not injured: You may think you are not injured, you may be almost sure you are not injured, but it is best not to say so. Some injuries take time to show, including serious ones such as brain injuries or whiplash. By saying you do not have any injuries, it will be harder to claim if you discover an injury later.

Do not say anything to the other person’s insurance company. They have far more experience of car accidents than you and will be looking for ways to catch you. Tell them to talk to your attorney. Dealing with the aftermath of a car crash can be stressful. Seek legal help to help you avoid costly mistakes.

Matthew D. Dubin

Matthew D. Dubin has represented injured people throughout Washington since 1995. He is the founding attorney of Dubin Law Group and focuses his practice on personal injury claims involving motor vehicle accidents, dangerous products, premises liability, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death.

Education

• License Number: 25378
• University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington – J.D.
• Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – B.A.

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