Rebecca Mason, a former police officer and BBC Morning Live expert, has issued crucial advice to drivers involved in car accidents: do not say “sorry.” Drawing from her own frightening experience in a head-on collision, Mason explains why apologizing can have unintended legal consequences.
Mason was involved in a severe crash when a woman in her seventies suffered a medical episode, causing her to swerve into Mason’s lane. “At the time, I just remember a huge bang and everything going blurry,” Mason recalls. Two bystanders helped pull her from the vehicle, and although she sustained only minor cuts and bruises, the incident left a lasting impression.
“One of the most important lessons I learned is to be very cautious about what you say right after a collision,” Mason notes. “It may feel natural to apologize, but saying ‘I’m sorry’ can be interpreted as admitting guilt, which can complicate insurance claims or legal proceedings.”
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Mason also emphasized the importance of practical steps post-accident: exchanging contact information, documenting the scene with photos, and gathering dashcam footage whenever possible. She explained that dashcams provide clear, time-stamped evidence that can resolve disputes quickly and protect drivers against false claims or dangerous road conditions.
Her firsthand experience serves as a vital reminder for drivers nationwide to stay calm, document thoroughly, and choose their words carefully following any accident.