What Are The Risks If I Accept Cash Offer From an At-Fault Driver?
If another driver offers you cash at the scene of the incident or in the days or weeks following the collision, you need to stop and think about the possible consequences of accepting the offer.
Accepting a cash offer after an accident may seem tempting, particularly if you need cash right away or if you think the incident is not very severe. However, there are specific risks associated with accepting a cash offer.
Understanding the Benefits of a Cash Offer
While accepting cash from an at-fault driver might seem convenient, and there are certain benefits to consider, it is crucial to understand the full picture. Here are some potential advantages of accepting a cash offer:
- Immediate payment. You will receive money right away without waiting for insurance claims to be processed or negotiations to be completed.
- Avoiding legal hassle. A quick settlement can help avoid the often tedious legal process of claims and potential court proceedings.
- Reduced stress. You might feel more at ease by avoiding a drawn-out conflict or settlement negotiation.
However, these benefits should not outweigh the substantial risks you could be facing by accepting a cash offer.
Risks of Accepting a Cash Offer
There are certainly several risks associated with accepting cash offers after a vehicle accident occurs in California. Some of these revolve around an initial underestimating of the damages or injury expenses:
- Delayed injuries. Some injuries may not become noticeable until hours or days after the accident. If you accept a cash settlement quickly, you risk receiving an amount that will not cover your medical bills for late-emerging injuries.
- Vehicle damage. Even minor accidents can result in significant repairs that are not immediately apparent. The amount offered might not cover the full costs of fixing your vehicle.
Additionally, accepting a cash offer will likely mean an individual loses the right to seek compensation through other channels, including through an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit. Why? Essentially:
- No formal agreement. Accepting cash usually means there is no formal documentation of the transaction. This lack of evidence makes it harder to pursue additional compensation if further injuries or damages are discovered.
- Giving up your rights. Accepting cash may imply that you are relinquishing your right to pursue further legal action against the at-fault driver.
Of course, there are a few other reasons why accepting a cash offer could be risky. Often, those who offer cash upfront are uninsured, and they might be trying to evade legal responsibility. The at-fault driver may attempt to pressure you into accepting a cash offer, particularly if they know they are going to be responsible for more damages than you may be aware of.
Steps to Take Instead of Accepting Cash
If you are thinking of accepting a cash offer after a vehicle accident, we encourage you to take the following steps and step back from the situation for a moment. Even if you give yourself a few hours or a day to consider your options. These steps can happen in the meantime:
- Document the scene. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any vehicle damage.
- Exchange contact and insurance information. Make sure to obtain contact details and insurance information from the other driver.
- Contact the police. A police report will provide official documentation of the incident.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, a medical evaluation is crucial to identifying hidden injuries.
- Contact your insurance company. Report the accident to your insurance provider and follow their instructions on the next steps.
- Consult an attorney. An experienced Sacramento car accident attorney can help you navigate the claims process and ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.