It can be difficult to navigate the New Jersey legal system after suffering an injury due to someone else’s carelessness. The insurance company is often the most difficult to work with on a trip. They are businesses first and foremost, and your health is not their top priority. It is true that filing an insurance claim can seem like a maze, but with the appropriate strategy and a New Jersey personal injury lawyer, you can collect the money you are owed.
Advice on Communicating with Insurance Providers
If you want to get paid what you are worth, learning how to talk to and negotiate with these organizations is essential. A personal injury claim in New Jersey? Here are some important things to keep in mind while working with insurance companies:
- Alert your insurance company As soon as possible after an incident that results in injury or property damage, contact your insurance provider. Do not miss any deadlines, and include all the information requested.
- Get evidence from the scene of the accident first. Photos, contact information for witnesses, and criminal and medical records all fall into this category. You can bolster your case with sufficient evidence.
- Do not give recorded statements if requested by the insurance company. Refuse politely until you have talked to a lawyer. What you say may and will be used against you.
- Learn the full impact of your injuries and their long-term consequences on your life and career to determine your claim’s worth. You can use this to better envision what a reasonable settlement might entail.
- Insurers may make an initial settlement offer in an effort to resolve your claim rapidly. It is common for early bids to be significantly lower than what you are actually worth. Before accepting any offer, you should probably talk to a lawyer.
- Prefer email or written correspondence to phone conversations when communicating with insurance adjusters. In the event of a subsequent disagreement, having a written record of all encounters will be helpful.
- Be careful what you post on social media. Insurers can and will check your profiles for any signs that your injuries are not as bad as you have said. Reduce the frequency of your posts and tighten your privacy settings.
- You should know when to hire a lawyer. If your injuries are severe or the insurance company is not willing to bargain in good faith, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. In many cases, having legal representation will assist you in getting a more favorable settlement from the insurance company.
