Question from a reader:
I was involved in a car accident and damaged the other person’s vehicle. I intend to pay for the repair costs, but the other party says they don’t want any money and won’t repair their car. What will happen in this case?

Car Accidents and Repair Costs: A Legal Perspective When the Other Party Says “I Don’t Want
Any Money”

Talking about accidents can be a bit nerve-wracking, can’t it? When you’re driving, accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. Today, I want to discuss car accidents and their aftermath based on a question from a reader.

Overview of the Question

Let’s recap the reader’s case. They were involved in a car accident and damaged the other person’s vehicle. While you are willing to pay for the repair costs, the other party claims they “don’t want any money.” How is this situation handled legally?

Responsibility for the Accident

First of all, when an accident occurs, the basic principle is that the perpetrator bears responsibility. In other words, since you damaged the other person’s vehicle, you are responsible for that damage. At this point, it is crucial to reach an agreement with the other party. What’s important here is that just because the other party says “I don’t want any money,” it doesn’t mean you can escape your responsibility. Even if they are not seeking money now, there is a possibility that they may demand compensation later on.

The Importance of Agreement with the Other Party

In fact, a friend of mine had a similar experience. He accidentally hit the door of a neighboring car in a parking lot. The other party said, “Don’t worry about it,” but later he became anxious and contacted them to confirm, only to find out that they were actually getting repair estimates. As you can see, even if the other party is initially generous, their opinion may change later. Therefore, it is essential to document any agreement with them. For example, it would be wise to confirm something like, “We agree that there will be no further claims regarding this accident.”

Avoiding Legal Risks

To avoid legal risks, I strongly recommend putting any agreement with the other party in writing. This is especially important for those who may not have much legal knowledge. Additionally, taking reports and photos of the accident can help prevent future disputes. For instance, documenting the condition of the other party’s vehicle, the accident scene, and your own vehicle can serve as evidence if any issues arise later. This is something that can easily be overlooked. In the moment of an accident, people tend to be tense, and later they often regret not having taken certain photos.

Coordinating with Your Insurance Company

Also, if you have insurance, don’t forget to contact your insurance company. Even if the other party says “I don’t want any money,” it is important to report the incident to your insurer. You should always notify your insurance company after an accident, as it will help determine whether coverage applies if the other party makes a claim later. I myself had a minor accident while driving once. Because I contacted my insurance company right away, I was able to prevent future issues.

Understanding the Other Party’s Feelings

Still, when the other party says “I don’t want any money,” it can be a bit concerning—are they being kind, or do they genuinely not care? Understanding their feelings and showing some gratitude, even if they don’t make any future demands, can be beneficial. Simply adding a phrase like “I’m sorry for the trouble” can ease the other person’s feelings. A friend of mine once said, “Apologizing is not just words; it heals the other person’s heart.” This is an important point that can often be overlooked.

Conclusion

Finally, let’s summarize the actions to take if you find yourself in an accident. 1. Clarify responsibility: Understand that you are the perpetrator if you caused the accident. 2. Form an agreement with the other party: Even if they say “I don’t want any money,” it is important to confirm and document the agreement. 3. Secure evidence: Take photos of the accident scene and the condition of the vehicles. 4. Report to your insurance company: Always notify your insurer after an accident. 5. Show gratitude to the other party: Expressing appreciation can help avoid misunderstandings. Accidents can happen to anyone. The key is to respond calmly and take measures to prevent problems before they arise. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to consult an expert. It’s important not to blame yourself for the accident but to think about how to handle the situation moving forward. Drive safely and enjoy your time on the road!