Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Car Accident in New Jersey

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough, let alone having to deal with insurance companies after the fact. Within a few days after the accident takes place, an insurance adjuster will contact you in order to work towards settling a claim. When dealing with these situations, there are many important things to remember. Continue reading to learn more.

Insurance Adjusters Are Trained to Negotiate

It is the job of an insurance adjuster to do what is in the company’s best interest. It is because of this that they are not acting directly against what is in your best interest, as they are trained to minimize the amount of money they pay out on claims. This means they will often deny a claim or not recognize its full value.

They are Not Required to Treat You Fairly

Insurance companies are not obligated to treat you fairly or promptly. Insurance companies will often delay or deny paying a claim to avoid paying money. 

Do Not Accept the First Settlement Offer

When an insurance company gives its first offer, it is usually unfair in the hopes that a vulnerable accident victim takes it quickly due to their building costs. However, this can hurt you in the long run and you should never accept the first offer. If you refuse to accept and an insurance company ignores you, hire an attorney for assistance. 

They Will Try to Avoid Paying Medical Expenses

Insurance companies may claim you are lying about your injuries or trying to commit fraud in order to avoid paying you.  Be sure to keep copies of all records of doctors visits for your defense.

You do Not Have to Take Your Car to Their Recommended Body Shop

It is important to know that you have the right to choose where to get your car repaired and do not have to use the shop recommended by the insurance company. When going to your own shop, bring the insurance company’s repair estimate for comparison.

You Have the Right to Appeal the Insurance Company’s Offer When it Totals Your Vehicle

Insurance companies often “total” a vehicle if the repairs cost 70% or more of the car’s value. In doing so, they must give you a check for the car’s fair market value. Be sure to ask to see the cars that the company compared yours to in order to determine the value of their offer. This is so that you are sure the offer is not too low. You may also want to do your own research or hire an independent adjuster for a second evaluation.

Do Not Listen to Any Treats

Insurance companies may try certain extortion techniques, such as paying a claim for a policyholder and sending you a collections letter. If you are sent a letter asking to pay this debt and are threatened to have your license suspended, contact an attorney to be aware of your rights. 

Never Sign Anything Without a Lawyer’s Reviewal 

Anything you say can be used against you during this time. Fine print is often overlooked when signing documents in any situation, let alone one in high stress. It is important to never sign any documents or provide a statement before speaking with a personal injury attorney.

Contact our Firm

If you have been injured as a result of a personal injury accident and wish to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. today.