You’ve just been in a car accident.
Your heart’s racing, adrenaline is pumping, and your brain is going a mile a minute trying to figure out what just happened.
It’s normal to feel disoriented or shaken. But what you say (or don’t say) in the moments immediately after a crash can have a huge impact on what happens next.
It might feel natural to apologize or start talking, but words can be used against you later, especially when insurance companies or attorneys get involved.
So before you say something that could sabotage your case, here’s a primer on what to avoid saying at the scene of a car accident.
1. “I’m Sorry.”
This might be the hardest one to bite back. You’re polite. You’re human. Saying sorry feels instinctive, even when the accident wasn’t your fault.
Unfortunately, apologizing can be interpreted as an admission of guilt. And once those words are out, they can show up in a police report.
Instead, keep it neutral. Ask if everyone is okay and offer help if someone needs medical attention. But skip the apology and save the explanations for your auto accident lawyer.
2. “It Was My Fault.”
Maybe you think it was your fault or you’re just trying to be honest. But unless you’re a trained accident investigator, you don’t actually know all the factors that led to the crash.
You don’t know if the other driver was distracted. Or speeding. Or running on bald tires.
Don’t speculate and never admit fault. Let the professionals – the police, insurance adjusters, and possibly your attorney – sort it out after the facts are fully gathered.
3. “I Didn’t See You.”
This sounds harmless. But it opens the door for others to argue that you weren’t paying attention or failed to yield.
Even something as casual as “I didn’t see you coming” can be twisted into evidence that you were distracted, reckless, or inattentive. Instead, focus on checking for injuries, documenting the scene, and staying calm.
4. “I’m Fine.”
You might feel fine. That adrenaline we talked about earlier? It masks pain and injury. You could have a soft tissue injury, a concussion, or even internal injuries and not realize it for hours or days.
If you tell the other driver, a police officer, or an insurance rep that you’re “totally fine,” that statement could come back to bite you if you try to file a claim later. You’re not a doctor – and you shouldn’t diagnose yourself at the scene.
Say something like, “I’m shaken up, I’ll need to get checked out,” and let a medical professional do the evaluating.
5. “Let’s Not Get the Police Involved.”
This is a big red flag. Whether the other driver says it or you’re tempted to avoid the hassle, skipping the police report is a mistake.
A police report creates an official record of what happened. Without it, it’s your word against theirs – and that makes it harder to prove your case if you need to file a claim or lawsuit.
Always call the police. Even for minor fender benders. Even if the damage seems small. You’ll thank yourself later.
6. “I Don’t Have Insurance.”
If your insurance has lapsed, saying that out loud at the scene could escalate things quickly. Depending on where you live, it might also be illegal to admit that you’re driving without coverage.
You’re still required to exchange information with the other driver. If you’re uninsured, consult an attorney right away. But don’t make a bad situation worse by blurting out something that could cause legal trouble on the spot.
7. “Here’s What Happened…”
Don’t launch into a play-by-play of the crash with the other driver. Don’t compare stories or try to work it out between yourselves. (And definitely don’t argue.)
What you think happened may not be the whole picture. Stick to short, factual answers with the police. When talking to the other driver, just exchange contact and insurance details. Save your version of events for the police report and, if necessary, your attorney.
8. “I Don’t Want to Go to the Hospital.”
Look, no one likes the idea of sitting in an ER for hours or dealing with medical bills. But refusing care at the scene – or brushing off the paramedics – could make it harder to link your injuries to the accident later.
Even if you feel okay, let them check you out. If you refuse care now and report injuries days later, the insurance company may argue your injuries came from something else. Always err on the side of caution when it comes to your health.
9. Any Jokes or Sarcasm
Stress does weird things to people. Maybe humor is your coping mechanism. But jokes – especially sarcastic comments about how you “really messed up” – can be taken literally by others and used against you later. Stick to the facts, and save the dark humor for after the insurance claim clears.
Adding it All Up
We’re not saying you have to be silent. There are plenty of things that you can say, for example:
- “Are you okay?”
- “I’ll wait for the police.”
- “I’d like to speak to an attorney before answering questions.”
The point is: Be smart and don’t rush to solve the problem with your words. Take your time, find a lawyer, and let the process unfold as it should.
