Why You Should Not Accept a Verbal Settlement Offer at the Scene of an Illinois Car Crash

 Posted on February 22, 2022 in Personal Injury

In the moments after a car crash, it is understandable that you might be rattled and more or less in a state of shock. This is especially true if you or someone you love was injured in the crash. With so much going on and all of the confusion, it is not terribly uncommon for the driver who caused the accident to approach you with a request to settle on the spot without involving the police or insurance companies. He or she might even have his or her wallet or checkbook open.

Accepting a handshake deal on the spot might seem tempting. After all, it can be difficult to deal with insurance companies, the police, and possibly the courts. However, it is almost always a bad idea to accept a verbal settlement offer at the scene. It is a much better option to call the police, your insurance company, and a qualified personal injury lawyer.

Protecting Your Best Interests

There are many compelling reasons to refuse a roadside settlement offer after a car crash. Here are just a few of them:

• You don’t know what you don’t know. Whether the other driver is offering to write a check on the spot or to give you contact information so a check can be written later, the reality is that, at that moment, you have no idea what your losses are yet. The costs to fix your vehicle have not been determined yet. Nobody has been evaluated by medical professionals, and there is no way to guess how serious an injury might be. Even if you walked away with a valid check in hand, it is anyone’s guess if the amount would be enough.

• The other driver might have other problems. If the other driver seems especially hesitant to involve the police or insurance companies, there is likely a reason. He or she might be driving on a suspended license or without car insurance. Or maybe he or she is trying to hide impairment by drugs or alcohol. There is also the question of whether the person would even live up to his or her end of the offered settlement. What happens if the check does not clear? What about if the other driver simply stops returning your calls?

• A police report is crucial. With the uncertainties mentioned above in play, it is very important to file a formal police report after any accident that involves property damage or injuries. This police report creates an official record of the crash that can be used later by insurance companies and your attorney to help you get the compensation you deserve. It is almost never in your best interest to skip this step after a crash.

A Rolling Meadows Injury Compensation Lawyer Can Help

To learn more about protecting your rights after a car accident in Illinois, contact an experienced Arlington Heights car crash attorney from Newland & Newland, LLP. We will do everything we can to ensure that you are treated fairly and properly throughout the post-accident process. Call 847-797-8000 to schedule a free consultation and case review with a member of our team today.

Source:

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