In 2022, The Palmetto State was home to 143,426 total traffic collisions, with 2,130 serious injury collisions taking place. If you have been in a car crash with another driver who readily admits fault, the motorist may try to offer you cash upfront. If someone does offer you cash, this should be a sign that you need to contact law enforcement.
If you or a family member have been injured in a collision, our South Carolina car accident attorneys are available to negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Why Should I Not Accept a Cash Offer?
While you may be tempted to accept a cash offer to be compensated for your injuries or vehicle damage, politely decline. You cannot know the extent of your injuries and car damage at this point, so you may be accepting too little for your losses. If the other driver offers you cash, this should be a red flag that you need to get the authorities involved.
Why Should I Call the Police?
Under South Carolina Code § 56-5-1260, if you were in an accident that resulted in injuries, fatalities, or at least $1,000 in property damage, you are required to immediately contact the police.
When you notify the police, an officer will arrive on the scene and take down a traffic collision report. Besides getting each driver’s personal and insurance information, the officer will also decide regarding fault. You can get a copy of the police report from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) within five to 10 business days following the accident. The report can be submitted along with other documentation to insurance as proof of damages.
Problems with Accepting a Cash Offer
If you decide to accept cash after an accident and forgo filing a police report, you forfeit your right to file an insurance claim. Even if you believe that you just suffered some minor cuts and bruises, accepting cash for your injuries is unwise. Since a range of conditions may not present with symptoms immediately, by taking cash and skipping getting insurance involved, you may be shortchanging yourself on the compensation you deserve.
What if I Am Partially at fault for the Collision?
South Carolina practices modified comparative negligence, allowing a personal injury victim to recover compensation even if he or she is partially at fault. Under state law, you can recover compensation as long as you are less than 51% liable. However, if you are more responsible for the accident than the other driver, then you will be prohibited from recovering damages.
So, even if you believe you played a role in causing the accident, do not accept a cash offer. Your degree of fault may be less than you think. You are more likely going to receive greater compensation by filing an insurance claim than accepting a cash offer.
Even if your level of fault seems cut-and-dry, do not attempt to represent yourself in your car accident claim. Oftentimes, claims adjusters do not take a person’s future medical needs under consideration, offering individuals drastically less than is necessary to completely heal. With decades of experience successfully representing injury victims, we are prepared to help you recover maximum compensation.
Speak with Our South Carolina Car Accident Attorneys Today
A car accident can leave you with injuries that require extensive medical treatments, preventing you from making a living. If you have recently been in a crash, our legal team is prepared to take the full scope of your damages into account when seeking compensation. To arrange your consultation with our South Carolina car accident attorneys, contact us online or by phone.