Do At Fault Drivers Are Allowed To Offer Cash at Car Accident Scene
Legally, there’s nothing preventing an at-fault driver from offering cash at a car accident scene. However, accepting cash as an injured person may not be in your best interest. Until you fully understand the cost of your injury-related expenses, you should think twice about accepting money from the liable driver. Accepting even the smallest amount of money could jeopardize how much you can ultimately recover. Our car accident attorney helps injured accident victims pursue the compensation they need. To learn more about partnering with a lawyer from our firm, dial (954) 633-8270.
At-Fault Drivers Can Offer Cash at the Accident Scene
As noted, there’s nothing stopping a motorist from offering cash at the collision scene. They may do this because:
- They don’t want their insurance premiums to increase after the collision
- They don’t have adequate insurance
- Their intoxication caused the collision, and they don’t want to get law enforcement involved
- They don’t have a valid driver’s license
- There’s a warrant out for their arrest
If the other party offers compensation, you don’t have to accept it. In fact, you shouldn’t. Without knowing the true cost of your past, present, and future injury-related losses, there’s no way to know if the at-fault driver’s offer meets your needs.
What To Consider Before Accepting Car Accident Compensation
Financial recovery should account for each of your injury-related hardships, including those that aren’t immediately evident. Before accepting compensation, you should consider:
The Severity of Your Condition
Adrenaline runs high in the immediate aftermath of a car accident. This can mask the symptoms you feel, making a broken arm feel like a sprained wrist. Without knowing the severity of your condition, you can’t know how much your medical care will cost. Plus, some injuries require ongoing care. As stated by Medline Plus, a spinal cord injury, for example, may require future treatment such as medicine and therapy. A cash offer may not cover these costs.
You should abstain from accepting compensation until you’ve received a diagnosis and begun seeking treatment.
The Insurance Policy’s Limits
Some states require drivers to carry certain insurance coverage. For example, if your state requires motorists to carry at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP), you could file a claim and receive this amount after the accident. This would account for your medical bills and some other expenses.
Chances are, the at-fault driver won’t offer $10,000 in cash at the accident scene. What’s more, your costs may exceed the $10,000 mark, meaning that you could seek more money through a third-party claim or lawsuit. In fact, even just three days in a hospital could cost you around $30,000 according to HealthCare.gov.
You don’t want to settle for less than you’re owed by hastily accepting a cash offer from the at-fault driver. At the very least, you should consult your insurance company. A representative can explain your coverage options and whether the at-fault driver’s offer is fair.
Your Compensable Losses
As noted, the at-fault driver’s cash offer should account for your injury-related losses, which may include:
- Healthcare expenses
- Job-related revenue, including tips and hourly wages
- Loss of future earning ability
- Pain and Suffering, and other non-economic damages
- Property damage expenses
- Anything you spent out-of-pocket related to the accident
Once your case settles, you cannot ask for more money later. You would have to pay for anything else out-of-pocket, possibly jeopardizing your financial resources.
How Your Accident Has Affected Your Life
You can recover both economic and non-economic damages in the aftermath of a car accident. Your economic damages account for your injury-related financial losses. Your non-economic damages, on the other hand, reflect the accident’s impact on your life.
When deciding whether to accept compensation, think about whether that amount accounts for:
- Any harm to your mobility and cognitive processing
- Your relationships with loved ones
- Whether you can continue working in the same capacity or at all
- Any future health complications
- Your day-to-day function
You should request the full cost of your damages following your collision.
Why Partner With a Car Accident Lawyer?
A Fort Myers car accident lawyer can help you file your case on time and collect valuable evidence. During your recovery period, it may feel overwhelming to handle your case alone. Allow a Fort Myers personal injury lawyer to handle all the legal tasks for you while you recover.
Your legal team can:
- Determine your accident’s cause
- Review the insurance policy
- Evaluate your economic and non-economic losses
- Determine the at-fault party
- Apply civil law to your case
- File your claim
- Negotiate with the insurer
- File your lawsuit within the statute of limitations
You Don’t Have To Manage Your Car Accident Case Alone
While you can accept money from the at-fault party at an accident scene, it may not be in your best interest to do so. Our team can help you pursue the compensation you’re owed. To start your free, no-obligation case review with the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, Dial (954) 633-8270.
