If you were recently injured in an auto accident, you will most likely now have to deal with insurance adjusters. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you do not make any mistakes when speaking with them:
- Insurance adjusters will not look out for your best interests. They are negotiators, and they will always put the interests of their insurance company before yours. This is the number one rule that you should keep in mind. Not only is treating you fair far from their top priority, they are, in fact, in many ways, obligated to treat you the opposite of fair, especially when the other driver is at fault for your accident and you are looking to file a claim against that driver’s company.
- An insurance company’s first settlement is oftentimes unfair and low, even if it does not seem so. That is why it is generally never a good idea to accept their first settlement if you have been injured and instead immediately contact an experienced New Jersey personal injury attorney who can work to drastically increase the settlement you will receive.
- If the insurance company tries to get out of paying your medical bills, this is a red flag. Oftentimes, they will minimize, or outright lie about the extent of your injuries, arguing they do not have to include the cost of your medical bills in your settlement. This is unacceptable. That is why you need to keep meticulous records of all your doctor visits, as well as hire an attorney who can work to prove your claim.
- Do not answer any questions asked by the insurance adjuster without the help of an attorney. They oftentimes twist words and conflate what you say to “prove” you do not need compensation. We can help ensure this never happens.
- When it comes to repairing your car, go to your regular body shop–not the one the insurance company recommends. They oftentimes have agreements worked out with these companies and will lowball your estimate.
- If your insurance company tries to ignore you after you deny their first offer, do not simply wait. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in New Jersey is, generally, two years. If you wait any longer than two years to sue, you will be barred from suing so. They will often ignore you just so they can pass the statute of limitations.
- Do not sign any documentation before having your New Jersey PI attorney review it and you have a full understanding of its implications.
CONTACT OUR EXPERIENCED NEW JERSEY FIRM
Stathis & Leonardis, LLC is an experienced personal injury law firm in Middlesex County, New Jersey that is committed to helping clients who have been hurt due to another party’s negligence. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or were injured on another person’s property, please do not hesitate to contact our firm today.
