If I was recently involved in a minor car accident in which I rear-ended another car, what is the best way to settle this privately?
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If I was recently involved in a minor car accident in which I rear-ended another car, what is the best way to settle this privately?
After exchanging information with the other party, we both agreed to settle the matter privately without involving insurance. Now, I’ve already done research on how to go about this. I have prepared a “general release of claims” document to be signed by both of us, and am just waiting on the other party to notify me of the estimate to repair their car. My question is; how important is it to involve a notary in this process? If so, how should I go about it? Also, when I meet with the other party to sign the money order and release, how should I approach the situation – ask to sign the release first or let them sign the money order?
Asked on March 16, 2013 under Accident Law, Maryland
Answers:
FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 10 years ago | Contributor
Ideally, it is best to have a lawyer draft of a mutual release for you and the other driver to sign where each of your signatures on the release whould be signed before a notary public. I would have the money order by the release and give the money order to the other side after the release is signed and handed to you.
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