If you face a car accident in San Diego, it is always advised to consult with an experienced car accident lawyer before you talk to the at-fault driver. You might find that the driver is offering you immediate cash to settle the matter; however, it is not convenient to accept. The cash payment might not be equivalent to the damages you have gone through and can have significant implications on your financial and legal aspects. So, let’s know whether you should accept cash payment from an at-fault driver or how you can politely refuse.
Is It Legal To Accept Money From an At-Fault Driver?
There is no legal prohibition from accepting cash payment from a faulty driver after a car accident. However, if you are considering filing an insurance claim in the future, the cash acceptance can create complications. The at-fault driver can claim that a payment was made which would meet all your personal injury claims. The money the at-fault driver offers is not unlawful, but it will not meet your best interest. So, you are advised to consult with an attorney before accepting compensation from the other party.
Reasons to Reconsider Accepting a Cash Offer
Following are the reasons you should consider before accepting the cash:
- Unseen Injuries
Car accidents often lead to severe injuries that might not appear immediately. However, due to internal trauma, the symptoms of an unforeseen injury can manifest in the future, leading to high medical expenses. Thus, it is always recommended to consult with a car accident lawyer San Diego and avoid quick settlements; otherwise, you won’t get the compensation that you deserve.
- Hidden Vehicle Damage
If your car is designed with hi-tech features, it should have impact-absorbent quality. Due to this, the internal damages might not be visible at the moment. You need to go through a preliminary assessment, which will help you estimate the repair cost. Based on this, you can file the compensation, which won’t be possible if you accept the cash payment.
- Emotional Distress
It is pretty apparent that when you go through an accident, it leaves a psychological impact which might not be visible now. You might go through post-traumatic stress disorder, and to deal with it, you have to seek help from counsellors. Thus, if you settle at the very first stage, you won’t be able to get compensation for the issues that will develop later.
Steps to Take When Offered Cash Post-Accident
If the at-fault driver offers you cash right after the accident, then here are the actions you should consider:
- You need to document the entire accident scene by taking photographs of the damaged vehicles or any other visible injury.
- Try to collect the driver’s contact details and insurance details, regardless of the cash offered.
- If you find minor injuries, you need to file a report with the police to present the report while filing a claim as evidence.
Summing it Up
After a car accident, your priority should be to seek medical attention instead of accepting payment from the at-fault driver. You must also discuss your case with a car accident lawyer to understand your rights and how it will affect the compensation.
