Are you being sarcastic above?
Of course not! What would give you that idea? Have you read your insurance documents? Don't they say "never admit blame"? This is really basic stuff.
I never say never...okay, hardly ever, so there probably are times when it is appropriate to admit fault especially once all the facts are in and fault has been assigned to you. Simply allowing that to happen, and paying for damages, to me, is an admission of fault.
If you've been arrested, tried and convicted, and face jail or prison time, then it might be a good idea to admit fault...that is if you're really guilty. But right after a fender-bender? No!!!
Also, most collisions will never require a lawyer. Lawyers, a trial, and further investigations more often than not will just cost one more if they truly are at fault.
I don't know the source of your statistics, but IME, if you get a ticket, the $100 that you spend for competent legal representation is the best-spent money, period.
Most of the time a good lawyer can save you fines, court costs etc. so you end up better off financially. More important than that is your driving record. It's a fact that cops tend to issue more tickets if you're stopped or get into another accident, and you don't have a spotless record. It's not fair, but it
is how the system works. Play the game, and play to win.
The key as I see it is knowing when its time to "fold 'em" when you know it is your fault. Start with just the facts, but once it is clear that given all the facts you are to blame its time to man-up.
That's dandy if you're playing poker. But we're not talking about poker here.
If the police come, be truthful, but NEVER EVER volunteer any information that could be used against you, and NEVER EVER admit guilt. If you're asked a damning question, look down, act ashamed and say "I gotta take The Fifth on that one". The officer will understand. That'll probably guarantee you a ticket, but by not giving out any numbers, you're avoiding a whole slew of possible bad things.
Likewise, when young and making mistakes it's rarely the case that they will set the future tone for anything...unless of course one is unwilling to learn from those mistakes.
Nice sentiment, but not practical in the real world. Traffic enforcement has become a den of corruption, starting with Nixon's national 55MPH speed limit. And in this age of increasing public access of anybody's court records, even honest people must fight hard to maintain their good name.
R3V090, I'm glad that you and your friend found what looks like a great solution. I didn't see any mention of anybody getting a ticket, so consider yourself blessed. I hope that you never have another collision. But in case you do, be prepared to be able to do and say the right things in your defense. Chances are that the next guy will not be nearly as friendly...
