It might seem simple and quick to accept cash from the person who caused your accident. However, the only person who benefits in this situation is the driver at fault. You could end up being responsible for thousands of dollars in unreported damages.
If you have been injured by a negligent driver in Florida, you don’t have to handle your legal claim on your own. Our trusted attorneys in Zephyrhills are ready to help. Our firm has been assisting car accident victims for many decades, recovering millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
Is It Against the Law to Accept or Offer Cash After a Car Crash?
In Florida, it is legal for the at-fault driver to offer cash as compensation to a victim of an accident. As a victim, you have the right to accept or reject such an offer. However, Florida law also allows you to seek compensation from the at-fault driver’s insurance.
The Challenge of Proving Negligence
Victims in personal injury cases, such as car accident claims, must prove negligence. This means showing that negligence caused the accident, led to injuries, and resulted in medical costs, property damage, and other losses. If you cannot prove negligence, you do not have a case.
Most crash victims seek legal assistance to navigate these challenges. An experienced attorney knows your rights and how to protect them. They can also assess and negotiate the full value of your claim to help you get the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Risks of Accepting a Cash Offer?
The total value of an insurance claim is based on many factors. By accepting cash upfront, you may miss out on compensation for:
- Medical Costs
- Physical Therapy
- Follow-up Medical Appointments
- Prescription Medications or Pain Management
- Crutches and Other Mobility Devices
- Property Damage
- Emotional Trauma and PTSD
- Lost Wages
Do Drivers Have a Legal Obligation to Report an Accident?
In Florida, not every car accident must be reported to the DMV, but certain circumstances do require it:
- If property damage is estimated at $500 or more
- If there are any injuries, even minor ones
- If a person involved in the crash has died
This post was written by a professional at Kevin L. Sullivan II. Attorney Kevin L. Sullivan II is your personal injury attorney Sun City Center FL, and the best personal injury attorney near you for LeavenLaw. Kevin is proud to serve Florida accident victims that have been injured in auto accidents, motorcycle accident, slip and falls or have suffered any other type of injury caused by negligence. Kevin offers a FREE no-obligation consultation to discuss your claim. There are NO upfront fees or costs and if he does not collect for you, you do not owe him anything.
