Be Careful What You Say at the Scene of Your Car Accident

Pennsylvania Car Accidents

When you experience a car accident, it can definitely shake you up and put you in a state of mind that isn’t clear and healthy. In fear or panic, we often fly off the handle with emotion and say the first things that come to our mind. It is important, however that you be careful what you say at the scene of your car accident. Words and testimony are incredibly valuable in a car accident case, and what you say could be used against you to turn the tides when considering negligence or your compensation amount.

Your Words Could Hurt Your Case

In a car accident case, the person who has to cover the costs incurred from the accident is usually the one who is at most fault for the accident. If you are even partially to fault, you should limit the words you say to anyone besides your attorney. Saying, “Sorry I didn’t see you,” for instance, could mean many different things. It could mean you weren’t paying attention and at fault. It could mean they ran a red light or didn’t have their headlights on in the dark. This could be used as evidence to point the fault at you. The best policy at the accident is to keep your words to a minimum and choose them carefully.

Your Words Could Be Inaccurate

Just because you were at the accident doesn’t mean you know everything about what occurred. There are certain factors that may have only been noticeable by the negligent party or by a witness. There may be issues with the road or with someone’s vehicle that caused the accident that you would not be aware of without a proper police investigation or car inspection. If you were very tired or not fully paying attention, you may also misinterpret a situation. Be sure to think clearly. If you think you caused it, it is possible you are wrong. But saying you did could seal the deal and make you lose the case.

Your Words Could be Confused or Misunderstood in Court

When you are tired or panicked from experiencing the accident, you may not be thinking or speaking clearly. You may say something like, “I am so sorry this happened,” and this could be twisted in court to point to possible guilt and thus possible fault for the accident itself. You may also just be shaken up and try to explain something to the other driver or cop about what happened and word things poorly, which could be interpreted in many different ways in court and by the people reviewing your case. Be careful what you say and how you say it and who you say it to.

Contact a Erie Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in Pennsylvania

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to car accident in Pennsylvania? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Purchase, George & Murphey, P.C. represent clients injured because of car accidents in Erie, Millcreek, Harborcreek, Fairview and throughout Pennsylvania. Call (814) 273-2010 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 2525 W 26th St, Erie, PA 16506, as well as offices in Meadville and North East.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.