How to handle insurance companies after a car accident

Dealing with insurance companies after an auto accident can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to recover from injuries and repair damage to your vehicle. Whether you’re filing a claim for medical expenses, property damage, or lost wages, it’s important to know how to handle your interactions with insurers. Insurance companies aim to minimize their payouts, and understanding how to navigate the process is crucial to getting the compensation you deserve.

In this blog, we’ll walk through the steps of dealing with insurance companies after an accident, including tips on what to say, what to avoid, and how to protect your rights with the help of an auto accident lawyer.

Report the Accident to Your Insurance Company

The first thing you should do after an auto accident is report it to your insurance company. Most insurers require you to notify them of any accidents within 24 to 48 hours. Failing to report the accident promptly could lead to a denial of your claim.

When reporting the accident, provide only the necessary details such as:

The date, time, and location of the accident
The vehicles involved
A brief description of the incident

It’s important to avoid speculating about fault or giving unnecessary details. Your insurance company will investigate the claim and make determinations later, so it’s best to keep the conversation factual and concise.

Understand Your Insurance Policy

Before filing a claim or speaking further with your insurance company, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of your policy’s coverage. This includes:

The limits of your liability coverage
The deductibles you’re responsible for
Whether you have coverage for medical bills (personal injury protection), uninsured motorist coverage, or collision insurance

Knowing your policy inside and out will prevent you from being misled by an insurance adjuster about what is or isn’t covered. If you’re unclear about the specifics of your policy, your auto accident lawyer can help you interpret the terms and explain how your coverage applies to your situation.

Be Careful When Speaking with Insurance Adjusters

After you’ve reported the accident, you’ll likely receive a call from an insurance adjuster who will be assigned to your case. Their job is to investigate the accident and work to settle your claim. However, it’s important to remember that their goal is to save the insurance company money by minimizing payouts. Here’s how to handle conversations with adjusters:

Stick to the facts: When discussing the accident, stick to objective facts. Don’t offer opinions about who was at fault or make statements about your injuries that could later be used against you.
Avoid recorded statements: Insurance companies may ask for a recorded statement, but you are not required to give one. It’s best to avoid recorded statements until you’ve consulted with an auto accident lawyer. Anything you say in a recorded statement can be used to reduce your settlement or deny your claim.
Do not settle too quickly: Insurance adjusters often try to get accident victims to settle quickly, often before the full extent of their injuries or property damage is clear. You should never accept the first offer without first consulting an attorney.

Document Everything

Gathering and preserving evidence is crucial to proving your case and maximizing your compensation. The more documentation you have, the stronger your claim will be. Key pieces of evidence include:

Police reports: If law enforcement was called to the scene, they will file a police report detailing the accident. This report is often crucial in proving fault.
Photographs: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries. These images will serve as valuable evidence when negotiating your claim.
Medical records: Document all medical visits, diagnoses, and treatments related to the accident. This information is critical to proving the severity of your injuries and ensuring that your medical costs are fully covered.
Witness statements: If anyone witnessed the accident, obtain their contact information and, if possible, a written statement. Witnesses can provide crucial third-party accounts that support your version of events.

Your auto accident lawyer can help organize and present this evidence to the insurance company in a way that strengthens your claim and increases the likelihood of a fair settlement.

Don’t Accept the First Settlement Offer

One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is accepting the first settlement offer from the insurance company. The initial offer is almost always lower than the actual value of your claim, especially if you’ve suffered significant injuries or vehicle damage.

Insurance companies often offer quick settlements in the hope that you’ll accept before fully understanding the scope of your injuries or damages. In many cases, these early settlements don’t account for ongoing medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, or pain and suffering.

Before accepting any offer, consult with an auto accident lawyer who can help you assess the true value of your claim. A lawyer can negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Be Aware of Deadlines in New Jersey

New Jersey law imposes specific deadlines, known as statutes of limitations, on personal injury claims arising from auto accidents. Typically, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. However, it’s essential to act as soon as possible. Delays can result in lost evidence, faded memories, and difficulty proving your case.

Additionally, insurance companies may have their own internal deadlines for filing claims, so it’s important to notify them promptly and follow their procedures. Your auto accident lawyer can ensure that you meet all legal deadlines and take timely action to protect your rights.

Know When to Hire an Auto Accident Lawyer

Navigating the insurance claims process can be complex and frustrating, especially if you’re dealing with significant injuries or vehicle damage. Hiring an experienced auto accident lawyer can make the process easier by handling the legal aspects of your claim while you focus on your recovery. Here’s how a lawyer can help:

Handle communications with the insurance company: Your lawyer will take over all conversations with the insurance adjuster, preventing you from making any statements that could hurt your claim.
Evaluate the value of your claim: An attorney can assess the full extent of your damages, including future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, to ensure that you receive adequate compensation.
Negotiate a fair settlement: Insurance companies are more likely to offer a fair settlement when you have legal representation. Your lawyer will use evidence, medical records, and expert opinions to negotiate a settlement that covers all your losses.
Represent you in court: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney can file a lawsuit and take your case to court.

What to Do If the Insurance Company Denies Your Claim

Unfortunately, insurance companies sometimes deny valid claims or offer unreasonably low settlements. If this happens, you don’t have to accept the outcome. Your auto accident lawyer can help you appeal the denial and provide additional evidence to support your case.

Common reasons for claim denials include:

Disputes over liability or fault
Allegations of pre-existing conditions
Missing documentation or incomplete information

Your lawyer will review the denial, identify the reasons, and take the necessary steps to challenge the decision. In some cases, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.

Contact Personal Injury Lawyers at Team Law to Protect Your Rights After an Auto Accident in New Jersey

Dealing with insurance companies after an auto accident can be difficult, but it’s crucial to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you’re entitled to. By working with an experienced auto accident lawyer, you can level the playing field and avoid common pitfalls that could weaken your claim.

Contact Team Law today for a free consultation. Call us at 732-896-2560 or use our online contact form to discuss your case and learn how we can help you navigate the insurance process and maximize your compensation after a motor vehicle accident.

Disclaimer: The information provided is not legal advice and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.