Were you involved in a recent car accident? If so, you should not admit fault for the accident to anyone. Doing so could put your right to recover damages in jeopardy. You are required to exchange specific information with the police and other driver. Aside from that, you should not make any statements about the accident in person or on any social media platforms.
Even if you believe you played a role of any size in causing the accident in question, you could still be entitled to collect compensation. A personal injury lawyer in your area will explain how any statements and your state’s contributory negligence law will affect your case and possible compensation.
Why Is Talking About the Accident or Admitting Fault Risky?
Like everyone involved in a car accident — you, the other driver, witnesses, and bystanders — you only saw the accident from your perspective. Once all perspectives are taken, the full picture of the accident becomes clearer. In addition, the other driver may have done something you are unaware of.
The investigation your lawyer conducts may uncover evidence that proves the actual cause of the accident, which may not ascribe fault to you. If you accepted fault prematurely, it could make your case more difficult to prove and your fight for compensation more challenging.
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Who Should I Talk to After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, you should speak to a limited number of people. The police who arrive on the scene will request certain information from you, and you should comply with this request. You might also need to talk to a medical professional about the accident in limited detail to ensure you receive appropriate treatment.
Share information about the accident with the legal team that reviews your case. This information will be kept confidential. Your lawyer can explain what happens if the accident is partially your fault. They will also explain the importance of a thorough investigation before assigning blame to either driver and how your evidence can steer your case toward a financial settlement.
Should I Avoid Social Media, Too?
Absolutely. The at-fault party and their insurance company or legal representative will investigate the accident just as we will. Their investigation can include viewing your social media posts.
Avoid posting any of the following on online or app-based social platforms:
- Photos and videos of the accident scene or either car
- Comments and responses that could be misconstrued
- Comments or remarks about any injuries you sustained
Even mundane posts could later be construed to prove your state of mind after the accident or to assert you are not as physically or emotionally injured as you claim. Keep all such evidence and comments between yourself and your attorney where you are protected by confidentiality laws.
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Can I Still Get Compensation if I Am Partially at Fault?
It is possible to recover damages even if you admitted fault before you spoke to the case review team at a local law firm. Your lawyer can collect evidence that proves the other driver was partially at fault and bears a greater percentage of fault than you do.
Contributory negligence laws can mean the damages you recover are greatly reduced. For example, if you would have been awarded $300,000:
- If 20% of the accident’s cause is attributed to you, your recoverable damages will be reduced to $240,000
- If 30% of the accident’s cause is attributed to you, your recoverable damages will be reduced to $210,000
- If 40% of the accident’s cause is attributed to you, your recoverable damages will be reduced to $180,000
If more than half of the fault is attributed to you, your financial award will be reduced to zero and you will recover no compensation.
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What Compensation Can I Get After a Car Accident?
After an accident, if the other driver bears 100% of the fault for the accident, you can recover all damages. If you are found to bear less than 50% of the fault for the accident, you can recover a corresponding percent of the damages.
Recoverable damages can include:
- Accident-related medical bills
- Accident-related lost wages
- Property damage or total loss
- Impairments and disfigurement
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional anguish
Your lawyer will work hard to ensure fault and liability are appropriately assigned. They will also fight for the best possible outcome of your case.
Car Accidents FAQs
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If you were involved in a collision, you should not admit fault for the car accident or make any statements without speaking to a personal injury lawyer. At Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, we will help you prove you are entitled to damages even if you were partially at fault.
Contact one of our team members to find out how we will build your car accident case and how hard we will fight for the financial compensation you are entitled to recover.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
