After a New Jersey accident, you rightfully anticipate that your insurance claim will be handled promptly and justly. Instead, you face constant, unnecessary holdups. Don’t assume this is merely inadequate customer service; this is a deliberate strategy designed to safeguard the insurer’s bottom line and wear you down until you agree to an undervalued settlement. Our experienced Essex County Lawyers are adept at confronting these tactics and securing the financial recovery essential for rebuilding your life.
What Are the Common Delay Tactics Insurance Companies Employ?
Injured parties often face physical and emotional hardships. Insurance companies employ numerous professionals solely to reduce the amount they pay out. Claim delays are a common tactic; they are essentially gambling on your lack of knowledge regarding your legal entitlements for damages, New Jersey law, or your case’s true value.
Here are some ways insurance companies try to slow down your injury claim:
- Paperwork Overload: Insurance companies will keep asking for a ton of records. It is important to understand that this is not about getting information for your case; it is simply an attempt to bury you. A knowledgeable Essex County lawyer will help you address their pointless “fishing expeditions.”
- The Silent Treatment: An insurance adjuster might suddenly vanish, or your file may get tossed to a new person every other week. This forces you to re-tell your version of the events over and over, giving them a chance to mess things up.
- Blame Game: Even if fault is obvious, the insurance company will try to argue that you were partly to blame for the accident. New Jersey is a modified comparative negligence state. They do this to avoid making any offer while they investigate. An Essex County lawyer will gather evidence to combat these weak excuses.
- Medical Hassels: In New Jersey, your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays your medical bills. Unfortunately, insurers usually stall, making you visit their physician or denying necessary treatments. This not only compromises your case but also your case.
- The “Not Serious Enough” Loophole: Insurance policies normally include a rule that prohibits you from suing unless your injury is “serious” (usually meaning permanent). Insurers will employ this tactic to delay your claim to see if your injury meets this bar.
Should I Engage an Essex County Lawyer to Help Fight Against Common Delay Tactics?
Enlisting the help of a skilled Essex County lawyer at the Law Offices of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. is crucial. Our legal team will help shield you from the adjuster’s pressure tactics and initiate litigation if necessary.
Reach out to us today to arrange a consultation.
