Navigating insurance claims while trying to get the compensation you need can be a daunting experience. But whether you’re dealing with a car accident, slip and fall, or medical malpractice, understanding how to interact with insurance companies is crucial to your case’s success.
In this article, I’ll give you five essential tips to help you effectively deal with insurance companies. From knowing your policy to negotiating your claim, these insights from Buttafuoco & Associates insurance claim attorneys in Northern New Jersey will empower you to tackle insurance claims with confidence.
1. Review Your Policy
Insurance adjusters count on the fact that they know the details of your policy better than you do.
Whenever you make a claim or receive an offer from your insurance company, make sure to obtain a copy of your policy and review it carefully. Some key areas to review include coverage types and limits, policy exclusions, deductibles, and policy periods.
Being armed with this information can help you knowledgeably negotiate with your insurer.
2. Document Your Damages
It is essential to have documentation of your losses when dealing with insurance companies. The type of documentation you need will be particular to your case, but common examples include:
- Images or videos of accident scenes, property damage, injuries, and any relevant details from multiple angles. Businesses and homes may even have security footage of the incident.
- Police reports of the incident, which are especially common with traffic accident claims.
- Repair estimates and invoices for any property damage.
- Documentation of any loss of wages due to the inability to work, including future wages.
- Documentation of medical evaluations and treatments, and estimates of future medical bills.
In some cases, it will be challenging to document everything above. This is where a Northern New Jersey insurance claim attorney can help by determining the cost of future medical bills or time off work. Make sure to work with an experienced attorney, as they will be better equipped to help you get the compensation you need to get back on your feet.
3. Document Communications With the Insurance Company
Thorough documentation is a powerful tool. First, save all written correspondence, emails, and letters between you and the insurance company. Additionally, keep a record of the dates, times, and names of insurance representatives you spoke with, as well as summaries of the conversations you have.
These records can be invaluable if there are any disputes or discrepancies during the claims process. Furthermore, these records will support your case tremendously if you hire legal counsel, giving your attorney the tools they need to build your case.
4. Don’t be Afraid to Negotiate
Insurance companies design the claims process so it appears as though there is no room for negotiation–AKA that their first offer is final. The reality is that even if they deny your claim, you can still pursue compensation. In many circumstances, the Buttafuoco & Associates team will advise clients to reject the first offer or appeal a denied claim.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a fair and just settlement. Be prepared to present evidence, such as repair estimates, medical bills, or expert opinions, to support your claims. Stay polite and stand your ground to get the compensation you need, and if you’re concerned that your negotiating isn’t doing the trick, don’t hesitate to seek legal counsel. We offer free consultations at 1-800-NOW-HURT, and can help you understand your rights.
5. Hire an Insurance Claim Lawyer Serving Northern New Jersey
The insurance claim process is complex, stressful, and laborious to say the least. Additionally, many insurance companies–especially large ones–have entire legal departments on their side.
Even with a seemingly simple insurance claim, having an experienced Northern New Jersey insurance claim lawyer on your team will give you several advantages. These include their experience with insurance law and negotiation skills, as well as reducing your personal stress and workload so you can focus on getting your life back on track.
Call 1-800-NOW-HURT today to get in touch with Buttafuoco & Associates for a free consultation, and see how we can help your case.
