Did the Driver Who Hit You Give You Cash at the Scene to Keep You Quiet?
Car accident scenes can be chaotic. That shouldn’t come as a surprise since the people involved are probably a bit shaken up at the very least. In some cases, there may also be injured individuals at the accident site.
Amidst all that chaos, the driver of the other vehicle may approach you. They may offer to reimburse you for what happened.
Should you accept that offer? Find out what you should do if you ever find yourself in that kind of situation by continuing with the rest of this article.
Why Did the Other Driver Offer You Money?
In the aftermath of a car accident, the drivers involved typically exchange information. They do that so they can talk more about the incident and file insurance claims if necessary.
If you believe that you were not responsible for the accident that just occurred, then you should get the other driver’s information and file a claim with their insurer. Doing so will net you the compensation you need to cover your injuries and/or repair bills.
However, instead of providing their information, the other driver may offer to give you money. Why would they do that, you ask? Let’s explore the possible explanations below.
The Other Driver Wants to Avoid Higher Insurance Premiums
The other driver may already know that they are responsible for the accident. They may also be aware that any claim you file with their insurer will be approved. That means their premiums are bound to go up.
In lieu of paying for higher insurance rates, they may just offer you some money right then and there so you will let the issue go.
Do not accept that payment because it is likely lower than what you could receive if you go through the correct legal process. Decline that payment and work with an auto accident attorney instead so you can receive the compensation you deserve.
The Other Driver Wants to Avoid Being Charged for a Traffic Violation
Alternatively, the other driver may also be offering you money because they just committed a crime. They know they will get in trouble if you speak to the police so they would rather pay you if you agree to stay silent.
Why Is the Other Driver Asking You for Money?
Some people will resort to deploying underhanded tactics to earn a quick payday. That’s why crash-for-cash scams have become more prevalent.
For those who may be unaware, a typical crash-for-cash scam involves a driver intentionally putting their vehicle in harm’s way so it will be hit by another motorist. They may jam on their brakes suddenly, deactivate their brake lights, and even work with another party to ensure that their vehicle will be hit by an unsuspecting driver.
Even if you were driving correctly, you may still fall victim to this particular scam.
If the driver of the vehicle you just hit insists on you giving them money immediately, then you should be skeptical of their claims. They are likely just trying to make a quick buck.
Partner up with a vehicle accident attorney and fight their claims in court. Fight to bring the truth to light in your case because doing so will prove your innocence.
Money shouldn’t be exchanged mere moments after a car accident. If one party owes the other compensation, then that matter should be settled in court. Reach out to an auto accident attorney so you can handle the matter properly.
Categorised in: Personal Injury Lawyer