What to Say to Police After a Car Accident in San Diego

By Eugene Bruno on February 28, 2025

Car accidents are stressful and chaotic, especially in the immediate aftermath. Knowing how to handle interactions with law enforcement is critical to protecting your legal rights and ensuring the accuracy of the accident report. Your statements to police officers can significantly impact the determination of fault and the outcome of any subsequent legal or insurance claims.

Why It’s Important to Be Careful When Talking to Police

Your statements to the police can play a pivotal role in how insurance companies, attorneys, and the courts document and interpret the accident.

The Role of Police in a Car Accident

When police arrive at the scene of a car accident, their primary role is to:

• Secure the area and ensure the safety of everyone involved.
• Collect information about the accident, including witness statements, photographs, and physical evidence.
• Determine whether any laws were violated.
• Prepare an official accident report, including their findings and conclusions about the accident.

The accident report often carries significant weight in determining fault and can influence insurance claims or legal proceedings. Talking to police after a crash could shape the officer’s perception of what happened.

Legal Implications of Your Statement

Statements made to the police can be included in the accident report and used as evidence in legal or insurance matters. For example:

• In court: A misstatement could weaken your position in a lawsuit or settlement negotiation.
• With insurance companies: Insurers may use your words to minimize liability, reduce compensation, or deny your claim entirely.

These legal consequences underscore the importance of choosing your words carefully and avoiding any statements that could be misconstrued.

What to Say to Police at the Scene of an Accident

When speaking to police officers at the scene, providing accurate and concise information is essential while avoiding speculation or unnecessary details. Some of critical car accident statement tips include the following:

Stick to the Facts

Share only factual information, such as:

• Your name and contact details.
• Vehicle registration and insurance information.
• A straightforward account of what you know happened without guessing or estimating.

Avoid discussing factors like speed, distance, or fault, as these can be misinterpreted and used against you later.

Avoid Apologizing or Admitting Fault

Phrases like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see them” might seem polite or innocuous, but they can be interpreted as an admission of fault. Even if you believe you might be partially to blame, avoiding fault admission is vital. Fault is a legal determination that involves multiple factors, and premature admissions could jeopardize your claim.

What to Do if You’re Unsure About Details

If you don’t remember specific details of the accident, it’s okay to say, “I’m not sure,” or “I don’t recall at this time.” Avoid filling in gaps with guesses or assumptions. Being honest about what you don’t know is far better than providing inaccurate or speculative information.

Common Mistakes People Make When Talking to Police

Understanding what to avoid can help you navigate the situation more confidently and protect your rights.

Over-Explaining or Speculating

It’s common for people to feel the need to explain every detail or offer theories about what happened. However, over-explaining can lead to confusion or unintentional self-incrimination. Stick to answering only the questions asked, and do not speculate about causes or contributing factors.

Lying or Exaggerating

Providing false information to the police is a serious mistake. It can damage your credibility, but lying or exaggerating could lead to criminal charges for filing a false report. Always be truthful and limit your statements to the facts you are entirely sure about.

What to Do After You’ve Spoken to the Police

Once you’ve completed your interaction with the police, there are additional steps you should take to ensure your rights are protected and your case is handled appropriately.

Review the Police Report

The police report is a critical document in any car accident claim. Obtain a copy of the report as soon as it is available. A police report review after an accident is a vital aspect of protecting your right to full compensation. Pay particular attention to:

• The narrative of how the accident occurred.
• Any statements attributed to you.
• Factual details, such as weather conditions or the location of the vehicles.

If you notice inaccuracies, notify the appropriate law enforcement agency and request a correction. Contacting a San Diego car accident lawyer directly after the car accident can also help you resolve these issues.

Consult a San Diego Car Accident Attorney

Speaking with an experienced car accident attorney is one of the most important steps after an accident. An attorney can:

• Review the police report and other evidence to identify any inconsistencies.
• Communicate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you’re treated fairly.
• Advise you on the best course of action to maximize your compensation.

Car Accident Legal Advice in San Diego

After another party caused a car accident, seeking compensation can be challenging, particularly when the issue of who was at fault is disputed. In these cases, contacting a car accident lawyer to assist you could not be more critical. The insurance company will want to pay you as little as possible. Without legal advice, you may accept an unfair settlement and even be left with financial difficulties when unable to work or requiring further medical treatments.

Protect Your Rights After a Car Accident

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be challenging, but taking the right steps can make a significant difference in your case—and knowing what to say after a collision can help you avoid several pitfalls.

To ensure your rights are protected and that you have the best chance to recover the compensation you deserve, contact Eugene Bruno & Associates. We take on cases on a contingency fee basis, with no legal fees unless we win for you.

Our law firm has been recognized by Expertise as one of the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in San Diego, and we’ve earned a place in The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 and maintain a BBB Accredited Business rating of A.

With over 40 years of combined experience, a 99.7% success rate, and a record of having recovered tens of millions for our clients, we’re committed to delivering outstanding results.

Call Eugene Bruno & Associates today at 1-888-BRUNO-88 (1-888-278-6688) to schedule your free consultation.