Should I write letters of apology after a car wreck?

I had a car wreck recently which was my fault. I was issued a ticket and it's pretty much black and white that I am liable. The lady I hit was a little hurt, her airbag deployed and she had a loose tooth and a bloody lip, but didn't have to go to the hospital. My insurance is taking care of everything.

I didn't apologize at the scene because I didn't want to open myself up to a lawsuit and didn't know all the facts yet, plus I've always read that it's best not to admit anything until later.

I feel the need to apologize now since I made a judgement error which caused her harm and didn't apologize on the scene. Am I opening myself up to any kind of legal trouble if I do this, or should I go ahead and do it?

MSAD

NO NO NO NO!!!!!!

Do NOT write a letter of apology.

Should the lady sue you - and with an injury claim that is always possible, that letter will come screaming back to bite you in the booty. It will be exhibit number 1 for the plaintiff.

Do not call the lady and leave a message of apology. Again, that's gonna get saved and bite you hard.

If you want to - call your adjuster. It's ok to ask the adjuster how the other party is doing and to let the adjuster know that it's ok for him/her to tell the other party you inquired. If the adjuster thinks it will help to keep control of the claim, then your adjuster can let them know that you were concerned. But YOU should not contact the other party directly. The time to have said "sorry" would have been at the scene.

Accidents happen. That's what insurance is for. Let the adjuster handle it.

**not legal advice - only a lawyer can give legal advice **

CwboyBill

NO!!
Just let it go, man. You write her a letter and next thing you know you're in court fighting for your life.

Alex

I'm not an insurance expert by any means, but after the scene of the crash, you are not supposed to have any contact with the other parties involved. All contact is done via insurance and lawyers. You're just opening yourself up for problems further down the line.
I would keep quiet and only communicate via the proper routes and not on a personal level. Just my opinion though

fighting saints

While I admire your willingness to take responsibility and do a good thing, I must advise you NOT to do it. If your company can't settle the claim and the other driver sues the letter WILL be used against you in court. MORE importantly, writing such a letter may jeopardize your companies ability to settle your case or defend you in a lawsuit.

So, please don't do it. The adjuster handling your claim will appreciate it.

Lainey

Yes, you are opening yourself up, majorly. Never, ever contact someone after an accident unless you consult a lawyer.

oklatom

I wouldn't, it could be seen as a confession of wrong doing and open you up to further judgments against you.

Best to just let it go, but I commend you for wanting to.

Chelsie surf

If you feel like you need to clear your conscience, just wait until after all the court proceedings are over, and then show it to your insurance agent to make sure it's OK to send. Like other people said, you don't want to give any evidence that could be used against you, and although that is highly unlikely in your case, better safe than sorry.

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