New Jersey drivers are required to have minimum liability insurance coverage. Otherwise, they face steep fines and potential license suspensions. Many motorists choose to pay higher monthly premiums in exchange for better coverage and the peace of mind it brings.
When you file a car accident claim, you expect fair compensation from your insurance provider to cover your losses. However, the level of protection you expect and the money you receive are sometimes worlds apart. That’s why everyone filing a car accident claim should hire a personal injury attorney.
The Mindset of a Car Insurance Adjuster
Insurance companies are in the business of making money, not satisfying their policyholders. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise you to learn that your provider won’t simply compensate you after an accident, no questions asked.
Instead, insurance companies have a team of adjusters whose sole responsibility is to investigate the details of your accident and try to pin some (or all) of the blame on you, thereby decreasing your payout. It isn’t unheard of for adjusters to suggest that victims hit by negligent drivers should have driven more defensively to avoid the crash.
Insurance providers also often demand profuse and irrelevant documents, which can hurt the claim payout if the policyholder concedes. Moreover, insurance companies commonly justify paying only a fraction of the victim’s medical expenses and lost wages, while often limiting or completely circumventing payouts for mental anguish and pain and suffering.
How a Personal Injury Attorney Can Help Your Case
If you file a car insurance claim on your own, it’s you against a multimillion-dollar company with teams of adjusters and attorneys that will go to great lengths to pay you the lowest sum possible. Unless you team up with a personal injury attorney, it’s very likely that you’ll be short-changed.
Here’s what your attorney will do to help you avoid common pitfalls when filing a car accident claim:
- Teach you the filing process dos and don’ts to maximize the value of your claim.
- Listen to the details of your case to fully learn the facts and develop a strategy to increase your compensation.
- Explore ways to seek higher payouts for obscure portions of your claim.
- Prepare a demand package with proof of all damages to present to the insurance company.
- Submit all proof and paperwork professionally and by the required deadline.
- Assess the pre-suit settlement offer for fairness and take the case into litigation, if necessary.
Find an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in New Jersey
Choosing the right legal professional to represent your case could make all the difference. Gelman Gelman Wiskow & McCarthy LLC is here to provide the compassionate, personalized service you deserve! We have experience handling even the most complex personal injury cases, with numerous million-dollar verdicts and settlements over the years.
To get started, please contact us at 862-263-0770 for a free consultation. We’ll address your questions and concerns and make sure you feel comfortable with our team before moving your case forward.
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