Do Not Admit Fault After a Kentucky Car Accident

Car accidents can be confusing and stressful. Because of this stress and confusion, people sometimes make costly mistakes after a car accident. After a Kentucky car accident, you need to stay calm and collected to avoid making mistakes that could adversely affect you. One of the biggest mistakes you want to avoid after a car accident is admitting fault. Admitting fault after a Kentucky car accident can have serious legal and financial consequences.

What Is Considered Admitting Fault in a Kentucky Car Accident?

Admitting fault in a Kentucky car accident can have significant legal and financial consequences. Therefore, it is vital to understand what constitutes an admission of guilt. The following is what is generally considered an admission of fault in a Kentucky car accident;

• Apologizing: Immediately after an accident, it might feel natural to apologize to the other party. However, you should avoid apologizing after a car accident as your apology might be taken as an admission of guilt. Avoid saying “I’m sorry” or apologizing in any other way. Instead of apologizing, try to help another way, such as checking if anyone is injured or calling 911.
• Admitting Mistakes: Directly saying you made a mistake, such as “I was going too fast,” can be taken as an admission of guilt.
• Accepting Blame: It is considered an admission of guilt if you explicitly say that the accident was your fault.
• Certain Behavior at the Scene: Certain behavior at the accident scene, such as offering to pay for damages or cover medical expenses, can be seen as an admission of guilt.

Why You Should Not Admit Fault After a Car Accident

If you admit fault at the accident scene, it could be documented in the police report. Your admission can be shared with insurance companies and even presented in court if your case proceeds to trial. This can significantly impact the outcome of your case, as an admission guilt essentially means you accept liability for the accident. Even if you think the accident was your fault, you should not admit fault. Admitting fault can put you at risk of not recovering the compensation you may have otherwise been entitled to.

Kentucky, like many other states, follows a comparative negligence system. Under this system, more than one party can share responsibility for a car accident. If you admit fault, you may be held responsible for your accident (at least partially). This can result in your compensation being reduced. For instance, if you are found to be 20% at fault for your accident, your compensation could be reduced by 20%. If your damages total is $100,000, you would likely recover $80,000 (80% of 100,000).

After a car accident, you need to stay calm and focus on gathering information. Limit your conversation with the other involved parties, and be cautious about what you say to the police. When speaking to the police, only stick to the facts. It is the job of the police to gather information and determine fault after conducting thorough investigations. Additionally, it is a good idea to consult an attorney who can help you handle the aftermath of an accident. An attorney can guide you on how to protect your rights. They can handle communications on your behalf and ensure you don’t inadvertently admit fault.

Contact Us for Legal Help

To get help with your car accident case, contact our skilled London and Southeast Kentucky auto accident attorneys at Cessna & George Law Firm.