Posted on Monday, October 30th, 2017 at 6:34 pm
If you told the other driver or anyone else that you were sorry for the accident, the insurance company for the other driver may use that against you when you file your accident claim. While saying you are sorry for an accident is not an admission of fault, it can make your accident claim more difficult. If you believe you may have inadvertently admitted fault for an accident, you must begin protecting yourself now by contacting our Sacramento car accident attorney. Our lawyers can help you fight for your right to recover compensation from the driver who did cause the collision.
Why is Fault Important in a Sacramento Car Accident Case?
California is considered a “fault” state for insurance purposes. You must show that a driver caused the accident or was “at fault” to recover money from that driver or the driver’s insurance company. Therefore, an insurance adjuster will quickly latch onto any reason to blame another driver for the accident, including that driver saying, “I’m sorry” or any version of that statement after an accident.
Saying you are sorry at the accident scene does not mean that you will lose a car accident lawsuit if you are forced to file a lawsuit because an insurance company will not settle your claim for a fair amount. However, an insurance adjuster is not going to explain that to you. The adjuster will try to convince you that you will not recover money for your claim because you admitted fault by saying you are sorry.
In some cases, the adjuster may use this to pressure you to accept an amount that is lower than the actual value of your claim. For that reason, you want to consult with an attorney before you accept an offer. An attorney can review your case to determine the actual value of your claim and whether you might have any responsibility for the accident.
What Happens if I am Partially at Fault for a Crash?
Being partially at fault for a motor vehicle accident does not necessarily mean that you cannot recover any money for your damages. Under California’s comparative fault laws, you can be partially responsible for an accident and recover some money for your injuries. However, the total compensation you are entitled to receive is reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you for the crash.
Therefore, even if you think you might have contributed to the cause of the crash, it is still in your best interest to consult with an attorney. You do not want to be assigned a higher percentage of fault for a crash than your actual liability was for the collision. An experienced attorney fights to keep the percentage as low as possible so that you can recover more money for your claim.
Call for a Free Car Accident Claim Evaluation
For a free legal consultation with a Sacramento car accident attorney, contact The Tiemann Law Firm by calling (916) 999-9000 or by visiting our website. Our law firm serves clients in Sacramento, Folsom, Roseville, El Dorado Hills and other communities in the greater Sacramento area.
