Does Apologizing for Accident injuries Make Me Liable?
Have you ever been walking in the mall and someone bumps into you, but for some reason, you find yourself saying sorry? Afterward you may wonder to yourself, “Why did I apologize for something that clearly wasn’t my fault?”
You’re not crazy. It’s human nature to wish the best for others. So when your vehicle collides with another, the natural reaction is to inspect the damage and check on the well-being of the other driver. During this time, many people find themselves apologizing, even when it’s not clear who may be at fault.
In retrospect, you may wonder whether the fact that you apologized could affect your ability to recover compensation. However, words exchanged at the scene of an accident aren’t the only factors considered when determining liability.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If I Apologized?
Simply put, yes, you can still recover compensation for accident-related damages if you initially apologized. Florida law allows those involved in car accidents to apologize to the other driver and passengers without that apology being admitted in court. Some examples of inadmissible evidence include:
- Written apologies
- Verbal apologies
- Any other gesture that shows sympathy
However, admitting fault is admissible evidence. For example, saying “I’m sorry, are you guys okay?” is non-admissable evidence, but saying “Oh gosh, this is all my fault. Do you guys need an ambulance?” is admissible evidence. As you can see, there’s a fine line between admitting fault and merely sympathizing with the party involved, which is why it’s best you play it safe and limit conversations to the facts.
What’s the Worst That Can Happen From Apologizing?
Apologizing may not damage your case, but it could have numerous implications. Fortunately, with the help of a seasoned attorney, you can present arguments that excuse actions or words that may be misconstrued as an admission of fault. The most effective defenses include:
- Disorientation: People are often disorientated after a car accident which causes them to do and say things they wouldn’t if they were in the right state of mind. This can easily cause someone to ramble, during which he or she admits fault for the collision.
- Inadvertent Admission: It’s not uncommon for individuals to interpret one’s concern as proof of fault. So the other party involved may express to the officer who arrives at the scene that you admitted fault earlier when really, you were simply making sure they were okay.
In any case, your apology or admission of fault does not change the facts of the accident. Ensure that only the truth is used to determine fault in your accident by acquiring legal counsel from a seasoned personal injury lawyer.
Get Help From an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
The Orlando personal injury lawyers at The Umansky Law Firm boast over 100 years of combined experience and dedicate their efforts to protecting the injured. Car accident cases are notably complex and overwhelming for the average person. Allow us to fight relentlessly on your behalf and help guide you to the compensation you’re entitled to by law. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
