Why choosing to “settle” your car accident claim on the side of the road can cost you dearly in the end.
Crunch! You look in your rearview mirror and the look on the face of the driver in the car behind you confirms your fears: you’ve just been rear-ended. After pulling over to the side of the road and the two of you surveying the damage to the vehicles, the other driver offers you $300.00 in cash if you will agree “not to get the police involved.” The offer seems reasonable; however, before taking the cash you should consider the long-term consequences.
Even in a simple fender-bender, whiplash, damage to the spinal cord, and other injuries may take a few hours or even a few days after the crash to begin manifesting symptoms. Suddenly, you may be faced with more expenses than just the cost of repairing a dent in your bumper. Your roadside “agreement” may make your car accident lawsuit more challenging in that your acceptance of the other party’s $300.00 may be construed as an agreement to waive any further legal rights you may have. While it is still possible to prevail in your lawsuit and obtain compensation, accepting a cash “settlement” may present an unnecessary complication in your case.
Before accepting any money from a driver on the side of a road after a crash, it is a better idea to first speak with an experienced Chicago car accident attorney to discuss your next steps. Stein & Shulman, LLC has over 45 years of combined personal injury law practice in Chicago, Illinois.
Free, Instant Case Review – Call 312.422.0500
You can receive a free and instant case review by calling our office at 312.422.0500.
Stein & Shulman, LLC
134 N LaSalle St, #820
Chicago, IL 60602
312.422.0500
