Why Would a Driver Offer a Verbal Settlement After Causing an Accident?

 Posted on February 15, 2022 in Personal Injury

After a car accident, you may be in a state of shock, especially when you or someone you care about has been injured. It can be hard to think clearly. When the driver who caused the crash whips out their wallet and approaches you with an offer, it may be tempting to take it for a number of reasons. It seems easy. You have their plate number. You do not want to deal with an insurance company or a court if you do not have to. However, before you take any kind of “handshake deal” on the side of the road, you may want to know why some drivers may do this—and why taking such a deal is almost never a good idea. Your best bet is to refuse, file a police report, and call a lawyer. 

Reasons At-Fault Drivers Might Have for Offering a Verbal Settlement

A driver who has caused an accident would not make an offer on the side of the road if he did not think it would ultimately benefit him in some way. Often, these drivers are trying to hide something or escape complete liability in some fashion. 

Reasons the driver who caused your crash might be trying to settle on the scene include: 

• No insurance - This type of driver will rarely come out and directly tell you that they do not have insurance. Instead, they will say things like “I do not want to involve the insurance companies.” 
• No driving privileges - A driver who lacks a valid license will not want the accident reported at all. 
• Intoxication - The last thing an intoxicated driver wants is the police showing up to take a report after they have already caused an accident and gotten someone hurt. She may fear criminal charges and presumed liability for the crash. 
• Bad driving history - A driver who has already had numerous traffic violations or caused multiple accidents may already be on the verge of having his license suspended or revoked. If this is the case, do you really want to help him escape the appropriate legal consequences of his actions and allow him the opportunity to put someone else through this?
• Other crimes - Drivers who have warrants - or passengers with warrants - will say just about anything to keep you from calling the police. Or, the accident may have interrupted a different crime. For example, the car may contain illegal narcotics, or the car could be stolen. 

Further, whatever amount the driver offers is highly unlikely to come close to what you would be awarded were you to call an attorney and have them pursue compensation on your behalf. 

Call a Wake County Car Accident Attorney

Before accepting any settlement from a careless driver or their insurance company, call Vasquez Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced Raleigh car crash lawyers will fight for you to receive the full amount of compensation you may be entitled to. Call 1-844-YO-PELEO for a free consultation. 

Source:

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/what-to-do-after-accident/