After a car accident, there is one thing that your attorney will always advise you: never admit fault. Admitting that you are at fault for an accident can be detrimental to your case and possibly even prevent you from getting the financial assistance you deserve.
Personal injury cases are already a bit complicated. Admitting fault means you face a lot of serious consequences. So, what do you need to know?
In Some States, You Can Share Fault
Some states allow you to share fault with another party. For example, you can share fault to the extent that you might be responsible for 20 percent of your injuries because you were not wearing your seat belt when another driver hit you. You may then be able to recover 80 percent of your financial losses in court.
In Some States, Too Much Fault on Your Side Means You Get Nothing
You also need to know that you can be held responsible for all of your injuries if you are found to be more than 50 percent at fault in some states. You may have to show that you were less than half responsible for the accident in order to recover funds.
Don't Talk to Anybody Yet
It is important that you understand that you should not speak with anybody about fault in the accident, whether it is the other driver or the insurance company. You can direct these people to speak with your attorney if you are unsure of how to communicate with these parties.
Don't Sign Anything
You should remember not to sign anything from an insurance company, especially anything that mentions a settlement, before you speak with your lawyer. A personal injury lawyer can help you determine if you should sign a document or if you might accidentally sign away your rights.
Consult With a Personal Injury Lawyer
A personal injury attorney can also help you avoid accidentally claiming fault in court. If your case does go to court, you need to ensure that you do not accidentally say something that could make it appear as if you are actually at fault for your injuries, even just in passing.
A personal injury lawyer will help you determine what you need to do to ensure that your case goes as smoothly as possible. Consult with a personal injury lawyer so that you can learn more about avoiding an admission of guilt that could damage your claim to financial losses.
