What if the At-Fault Driver Offers You Cash at the Scene?

Sometimes the negligent party will offer money to the victim at the scene of the collision to avoid further legal complications. Instead of sharing insurance details and contacting the police, the at-fault driver can attempt to resolve the situation on the spot. However, the amount they offer is usually less than what you can recover through a claim.

Why an At-Fault Driver Might Offer Money

If the collision was only minor, the at-fault driver might be more willing to offer you money on the spot. This is frequently done for a variety of reasons. For instance:

• The collision will appear on the at-fault driver’s driving record. They might not want the accident reported. If the police arrive, the driver can receive a ticket for speeding.
• The at-fault driver might not want the accident recorded to avoid affecting the cost of their current insurance policy. The collision can raise the driver’s insurance rate.
• The at-fault motorist may not be licensed, be uninsured, or have a suspended license.
• To avoid having to pay more in a court claim, the at-fault driver may offer compensation immediately after the crash.

Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Take Cash From a Negligent Driver

Cash offers often look alluring at first, but they’re usually less than you could collect if you made a formal claim. Even if the at-fault driver offers to cover your damages or injuries up front once you receive your bills, there is no way to predict what might occur in the future.

Your Chances of Filing an Insurance Claim May Be Harmed

Your claim may be rejected if you take payment from the at-fault driver at the site of the collision. The insurance provider can try to argue that your claim is invalid in this circumstance because you already took payment directly from the driver.

The insurance company may decide that this is not a strong enough defense against a claim denial, but that does not imply they won’t try. If you do not have legal representation, you may be unaware of your entitlement to appeal a denied claim and pursue the necessary compensation.

If you are harmed in an accident caused by the negligence of another, it will be in your best interests to get in touch with a Zanes Law car accident attorney as soon as you can. A lawyer is ready to assist in negotiating with the at-fault insurance provider for the highest possible settlement.

Your Injuries Could Be Worse Than You Believe

You don’t yet know the full degree of your injuries; therefore, you should decline a financial offer from the at-fault driver. You could have had significant damage even though the incident was minor.

Since you are unsure of the entire scope of your injuries, you cannot calculate the treatment cost. For instance, even a slight case of whiplash may require numerous sessions of physical therapy or chiropractic adjustments before your neck and back are mobile.

You could be looking at medical expenses of several thousand dollars as a result of these frequent doctor appointments. At the scene of a collision, it is unlikely that the at-fault motorist will be willing to offer you more than a few hundred dollars.

You May Be Eligible for Damages That Are Not Economical

Many people might not be aware that following an accident brought on by someone else’s negligence, they may be entitled to non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

It can be more challenging to recoup such losses if you accept money from the driver who caused the collision. You could lose out on thousands of dollars in compensation as a result of this error.

Contact a Lawyer for Help

It’s implausible that a financial offer made at the scene of the accident can fully compensate you for your losses. You don’t want to be forced to cover your bills out of pocket. If you were involved in a car crash, it is always best to contact a lawyer for guidance. They can help you file a claim and recover the compensation you need.

About the author:

With a BA in communications and paralegal experience, Irma C. Dengler decided to make the best of her writing skills. She decided to turn complicated legal matters into something more palatable for the masses. Therefore, Irma became a law communicator who writes about everyday problems so everyone can understand them and take the appropriate action. She specialized in personal injury cases, as they are more common than anyone thinks, but her areas of expertise also include civil law, criminal law, insurance-related issues, and more.