The Most Common Excuses Drivers Give After a Crash (And Why They Don’t Hold Up)
Minor bump or major collision, one thing never changes in LA: the excuses. At fault drivers race to shift blame, but you deserve the real story to be heard.
When you’re involved in a car accident in Los Angeles, it doesn’t take long before the excuses start flying. Whether it’s a minor impact or a serious collision, at-fault drivers often try to shift blame or downplay what happened. But when it comes to personal injury claims, these common excuses don’t hold up—and they definitely don’t stop you from getting compensated.
Here are some of the most common excuses we hear—and why they don’t mean your case is over.
“You stopped too suddenly.”
This is one of the most frequent excuses in rear-end crashes. But in California, drivers are legally required to follow at a safe distance (CVC §21703). If they couldn’t stop in time, they were likely following too closely and/or too fast —making them responsible.
“You came out of nowhere.”
No one magically appears out of thin air. This excuse is usually used by drivers who weren’t paying attention, changed lanes without signaling, or failed to yield. Distraction is not a defense.
“I didn’t see you.”
This is an admission—not an excuse. Every driver has a duty to stay aware of their surroundings. If someone hit you because they “didn’t see” your car, motorcycle, or bike, that’s negligence.
“You weren’t hurt that bad.”
Only a medical professional can assess the true extent of your injuries. Delayed onset of symptoms are common, especially with whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and concussions. Downplaying your pain doesn’t absolve the other driver.
How to Protect Yourself When the Excuses Start Flying
Call the police and get an official report
Take photos of the scene and damage
Get contact info from witnesses
See a doctor immediately, even for minor pain
Contact an attorney before speaking with insurance adjusters
Why Legal Representation Matters
Insurance companies love to latch onto these excuses to deny or reduce claims. At Crowley Law PC, we know how to cut through the noise and build a strong, evidence-backed case.
We’ll help you get the medical treatment you need and the compensation you deserve.
Here to make it right, when you’ve been wronged!
Crowley Law PC
📞 (213) 325-5248
