Car accidents can produce severe injuries. If you can walk away from an auto collision, you probably feel you got off lucky. In the event the driver from the other vehicle asks if you are all right, you might answer that you are. However, responding in this way may cause you problems down the road.
You probably understand that you should be careful when speaking to a driver that collided with you so that you do not diminish the liability of the other driver. Talking about your health, however, might end up doing just that. Here are some reasons why you should be careful what you say about any possible injuries.
You may feel symptoms later
Not all injuries manifest pain immediately. You could sustain a vehicular impact that damages a part of your body but you do not feel anything beyond minor discomfort. Following the collision, your body may have released adrenaline that masked the pain. Some injuries may produce pain hours or even days following an accident. So be aware that how you feel now may not reflect your true state of health.
You could damage your injury claim
Responding too candidly about how you feel could make it harder for you to secure compensation for your injuries. According to U.S. News and World Report, if you tell the other driver you are feeling okay and experience problems later on, the insurer may use your past statements against you. You may not receive much in damages if you get any compensation at all.
When asked how you feel, respond that you will let your doctor make the final determination about your health. Avoid discussions about whether you feel any symptoms. If you exercise caution while speaking to a driver involved in your accident, you may deprive the driver’s insurer of any excuse to deny you coverage.
