l learned in my Psychology class yesterday that usually after getting into something really stressful and tragic, like a car accident, people often forget what happened before and after, not because they hit their head or anything, but because it is just the way our mind responds to something stressful like that. It tries to block out what happened.

l was in an accident a month ago at a 4way intersection. It was a fender bender, but because it was my first accident it really messed with my mind at the moment it happened. After learning what l learned in psycology class about how we're prone to forget a lot of details, why did the insurance company throw so many questions at me the very next day? A woman on the phone asked me how many lanes there were coming toward me... and l had the hardest time remembering because of the accident. So why do they even ask? Same with cops.. l understand it is their job.. but when they asked me what happened a few minutes after it did happen.. l was somewhat speechless. Are they trained in psycology? Do they understand that people will often forget?
l just do not feel they should use your words against you so quickly or try to judge who is fault it was based on who was able explain it better.
l know they need to determine who is fault it was.. the insurance company is anyway.. but l just feel they should give it 2-3 days.. not 8am the next morning. They called me early to ask what happened. And the memory loss is what l learned in Psychology.. so unless my professor was wrong.. well.. l guess I am wrong for even asking this question apparently.
calipink: I am not a psychologist. I am a college student at the moment getting a degree in Dental Hygiene. Psychology class is a requirement for this field (do not ask why). And l did not say l would tell them that l do not remember. l said l would just give it an extra day or so to collect myself together. Psychology is the study of human behavior.. so just because you're in a different field does not mean human behavior should be thrown out the window. But whatever, sorry for asking a simple question.
Beth: l know memory loss does not happen in every tragic situation. From what l learned though, it does happen many times.

Really - if that were a valid argument, everyone would use it as an excuse whether it were true or not. And, fault is not solely based on the people is explanations - the damage to the vehicles and the positions of the vehicles if available, also play a role.

They just want to determine whose fault is was and if any one of the drivers are lying. One driver could put the blame on the other, they have to determine if this is the case.

Ok, Psychologist. Insurance agents/adjusters ask questions pertaining to the accident because we have to know how the accident happened. We want to make sure we get every detail right in case there is a dispute about liability. If u simply say '' l am sorry l can not remember'' that is it. We're not using words to ''judge'' you, as u say & the words r not used to determine who is at fault. There is much more into determining liability of an accident then who states the story better. The sooner we get the information the better

This is why u r in Psychology & l am in the insurance business. Two totally different fields that should not be mixed..

l think they understand that people forget. You also have to understand that most accidents r reported a few days after they have happened. Additionally the questions r routine. There is nothing wrong with saying that u do not remember. Your carrier can always complete a scene investigation and/or talk to witnesses.

As u know people do not ALWAYS forget, but sometimes they do. Sometimes the brain works just the opposite & recalls every last detail.

Your professor is not wrong, but l am certain he will tell u that memory loss does not happen in EVERY tragic situation.

Thanks!

The longer a claim sits the less the people involved will remember the details. The ''first 48hrs'' r more apt to lead to the true actions.
They r also just collecting data so they may determine liability from the facts.
Some people seem to add ''facts'' after thinking about the incident which could put them in a better position ni the determinations.
Unless it was an accident which was a serious one involving severe injuries, maybe an accident is just an accident. Something to be learned from not to beat yourself up about.