Don’t Make These Top 3 Mistakes During a Settlement Negotiation
When it comes to filing a claim for a motor vehicle accident, you’re going to have a lot of questions, particularly when it comes to how much money you’ll receive and when you’ll receive it. In many cases, car accident cases end in a settlement. However, there are a few different types of mistakes you should definitely avoid during this process so as to not jeopardize your compensation award. Continue reading to find out how you can avoid these top 3 mistakes during a settlement negotiation.
Read more: How Do I Prove My Car Accident Injury?
Common Settlement Mistakes
Here are the top three mistakes people make during a settlement negotiation:
Admitting Fault
After a car accident, it’s normal to want to get out of your car and apologize. While this may seem like the right thing to do on the surface, it can actually jeopardize your claim. Insurance companies are not on your side and so in an effort to pay you as little money as possible, they will use your words against you. While admitting fault may not have been your intention, it can be used as a justification to deny your claim. Furthermore, even if you think you’re to blame for an accident, there may be other details you’re unaware of. For example, the other driver could have been looking down at their cell phone or perhaps an auto part was defective. Err on the side of caution and stick to the facts and let your lawyer investigate into what really happened.
Accepting the First Offer
Another common mistake people make during settlement negotiations is accepting the insurance company’s first offer. While taking this can be tempting, especially if you need money to help pay your bills, the amount may not be what you truly need to cover the full extent of your damages. Always consult with your personal injury attorney to determine what the right settlement offer would be.
Don’t Try to Deal With Your Claim Alone
And speaking of your personal injury lawyer, don’t forgo hiring one in an effort to try and handle your claim yourself. First and foremost, there is a time frame as to how long you have to file a personal injury claim that you might not be aware of. This is called the statute of limitations and in New Jersey, you only have two years from the date the injury occurred to file a claim. While this seems like a long time, it can go by in a blink of an eye and once it closes, so does your ability to collect compensation.
Furthermore, the other driver’s insurance company and defense team may try to offer you a lowball settlement or try to convince you that pursuing a claim isn’t necessary. Unfortunately, if you’ve never been involved in a car accident before, you may be unfamiliar with the tricks and tactics insurance companies use to get out of paying people what they’re owed. Your personal injury attorney can help alleviate these issues to ensure your rights are fairly advocated for.
Read more: Don’t Let Social Media Affect Your Case
An Attorney Can Help
While these mistakes may seem minor, they can have a detrimental effect on your ability to collect compensation. Don’t lose out on the money you’re owed by handling your claim alone. The attorneys at CourtLaw.com can help.
Contact a Perth Amboy Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Accident Case in New Jersey
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to a car accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at CourtLaw represent clients injured because of car accidents in Linden, Newark, South Amboy, Jersey City and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 442-5900 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 163 Market St., Perth Amboy, NJ 08861, as well as offices in New Brunswick, Roselle, East Orange, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Linden, Newark, Paterson, South Amboy, and Trenton.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
