Should You Talk With Police After an Accident?
After an automobile accident, you are likely feeling shaky and nervous. Any kind of car accident can be traumatizing, even if you did not suffer from severe injuries. Especially when the police are called to the scene, you may find that your anxiety is higher as the car accident can suddenly become more serious. Even if you were not responsible for the accident, it can be easy to say something that may incriminate you or that may direct some of the blame toward you. If you were hoping to file a personal injury claim after the accident, this means that you may get less compensation than you deserve.
The police officers would like to ask me questions. Should I feel obliged?
This can be very tricky because you may feel an obligation to answer the police officer’s questions. That said, there is no law that states you need to answer their questions and this does not mean that you are not complying. You have the right to wait for an attorney to answer any questions and this does not prove that you are at fault for the accident.
Will being polite at the accident scene get me anywhere?
An attorney, like a car accident attorney from a law firm like Rispoli & Borneo P.C. has seen many times when someone at an accident scene is so agitated and bothered by the accident that they yell, argue, and point fingers. It is important that you remember this will not get you anywhere when it comes to the police officers or your personal injury claim. In fact, all this can do is hurt you, and the police officers at the scene will make note of your demeanor and attitude. Even if you are choosing not to speak with the police officers about the accident, being polite will only help. If there is any quiet, safe place to go near the accident scene, take a moment to gather your thoughts and try to calm your nerves from the accident.
Aren’t the police there to help?
The police are there to understand what happened that would cause this accident to occur and they will go wherever the evidence points them, even if it directs them toward you. The police officers can and will use what you say to help them understand the accident and that may not be so favorable to you. Remember, a local attorney may be able to help you when it comes to filing your claim and speaking with the police.