“Sorry, It’s My Fault” – Don’t Say That! Florida Accident Attorney

You’re a nice person, I can tell. And you’re polite. When you bump into someone in the store because you’re looking at your phone (you don’t do that in the car) you say “Sorry, my fault.” I do that too!

But. It’s not a good idea to do that after an accident. Even if it was your fault. We have discussed what to do immediately after an accident but we didn’t cover this and it recently came up in another case.

When you have an accident you first priority is safety and medical attention, if necessary. Don’t admit fault because that may come back at you later. Plus, you may think it’s your fault, but it’s really not. Often things are not as they first seem to be, which is why we investigate accidents.

Here’s a checklist of things to do and not do right after an accident:

1. If anyone is injured call 911 immediately. And help as much as you can.
2. If it’s a minor accident and you are going to work it with the other driver make sure you get all the information: insurance card, tag number, and take pictures.
3. If you believe the police should be called, call them.
4. If you are not injured get the names of witnesses who may have seen the accident. Once again, try to take pictures if you are able.
5. Note the condition of the other driver and try to write down notes about everything you observe.
6. If the police respond, cooperate but don’t offer information or make small-talk. Answer questions.
7. Call your insurance company.
8. Sometimes insurance adjusters will respond to the scene. Same as above, just answer questions and don’t offer your opinion or any chit-chat. Just because it’s your insurance company doesn’t mean they are anxious to pay you a lot of money.
9. Don’t give a recorded statement to your insurance company. Tell them that can wait until later.
10. Do not sign a general medical release. That’s another thing that can wait until later.
11. Once you are finished with all on-scene responsibilities, call an experienced accident attorney. There will get guidance on what to do next.
12. Finally, don’t post anything on social media! If there is any dispute or legal action, that has proved to be very bad in many other cases. It’s best to remain silent and speak only with your attorney.

Florida Accident Attorney

The attorneys at Lazarus and Lazarus have been helping victims of car accidents for over 20 years, so we are well aware of the pitfalls of not keeping on course with the above list. We want the truth to come out and for our clients to get the best representation possible to receive the maximum help for their damages and injuries.

We invite you to examine our record, our qualifications, and our reviews online. Then we hope you call us if you are involved in any accident. Call us at 954-356-0006.