Photo by Moose Photos from PexelsIn 2022, the state of New Jersey saw 653 crashes and 696 fatalities occurred due to these accidents. With crash statistics like these, it is essential to know how to deal with an insurance company if you are involved in a crash. Unfortunately, insurance companies are not on victims’ sides, and stubborn insurance adjusters who refuse to negotiate a fair settlement are common. Insurance adjusters have been trained to make the most possible profit for the company, which intimidates many victims into accepting an inferior settlement amount.
Before you give into an amount you know is unfair, there are many steps you can take to push your insurance adjuster to negotiate. If these tactics don’t work, it is worth it to contact a Northern New Jersey car accident attorney. If you do require legal help, Buttafuoco & Associates has years of experience helping victims fight for the settlements they deserve.
Have a Minimum Settlement in Mind
In the stressful aftermath of a car accident, it’s easy to rush the process out of fear of being unable to pay off quickly-accumulating medical bills from injuries. One of the most useful steps you can take early in the process is to determine a minimum settlement you are willing to accept. This should always be a number that you know will cover your medical bills and expenses.
Keep this number to yourself rather than revealing it to the insurance company. This way you can increase or decrease the number as your health situation becomes clearer. If you are unsure how to value your case, it may be a good idea to consult with a Northern New Jersey car accident lawyer. An experienced attorney will help you arrive at a figure that is neither too high or too low.
Never Accept the First Offer
Insurance adjusters are trained to make victims believe that the first offer (which is typically insultingly low) is the final offer. In reality, this is a test on the part of the adjuster to see whether or not you know the value of your claim, and whether you are knowledgeable enough about the negotiations process to push back. When the initial settlement is incredibly low and the adjuster stands firm in their offer, many people accept the offer, only to regret it later when they’re unable to pay for medical bills and other accident-related expenses. Even if the adjuster is aggressive with you, remember that getting a proper settlement is truly a process of ongoing negotiation with your insurance company.
So, what can you do at this point?
Start by requiring the adjuster to justify their low offer. To do this, put your issues with the settlement amount in writing. Include a list of reasons why the offer is too low. If you have determined your minimum settlement amount, you should have a good idea of what your medical expenses could be, and you can use this as leverage in your argument.
Once you have explained your reasoning, make a counteroffer. Ideally, attempt a counteroffer that is at or above your determined minimum settlement. Typically, this will clue the adjuster in on the fact that you are knowledgeable about the process, and lead them to increase their settlement.
Remember: maintaining a professional relationship throughout this process is crucial to getting the settlement you deserve. It can be incredibly frustrating to get a lowball offer, so take the time to cool off before writing a letter of demand.
If you feel that you are uncomfortable with this process, a personal injury lawyer serving Northern New Jersey can help communicate with your insurance company.
Require Written Documentation
One of the most important parts of the negotiation process is making sure everything is in writing. Do not negotiate with an adjuster over the phone, as you won’t have a record of the offer you have agreed on. If you need to call on a personal injury lawyer in Northern New Jersey for assistance, written documentation is invaluable. Require that the adjuster put all offers in writing, and keep all correspondence.
Know When to Seek Legal Help
If you aren’t getting the settlement you know you deserve and the insurance company truly won’t budge after attempting negotiations, get in touch with a lawyer right away. Additionally, if you are severely injured in an accident, getting an attorney on board could not only result in a better and faster settlement, but it can alleviate a significant amount of stress.
At Buttafuoco & Associates, we have been fighting for clients’ rights against insurance companies for decades. We are experienced negotiators and won’t stop until you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you would like to seek compensation for your personal injury claim, get in touch for a free consultation at 1-800-NOW-HURT.
