The moments after a car accident will leave you with a slew of important questions you need answers to. How did this happen? Who’s going to pay for my car repair? Will I be able to return to work? These types of questions are not only common after a motor vehicle accident, but they’re vital to getting your life back on track. Because car accidents are so unpredictable, it’s normal to have questions about what to expect during your recovery process. One of the most commonly asked questions, though, is what you should say to your insurance company when you go to report the accident. Learn more about this below.
Car Insurance Requirements in New Jersey
In the state of New Jersey, all drivers are required to carry car insurance. These include:
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Uninsured motorist coverage
- Liability insurance
Personal injury protection – also known as PIP – will cover your medical expenses if you or anyone in your vehicle are injured in a crash. New Jersey is a no-fault insurance state, which means your insurance carrier will pay for your medical expenses regardless of who was at fault for the accident. This is where personal injury protection comes in.
Liability insurance, however, does not cover any medical expenses. Rather, this type of insurance will pay for the damages you caused in the accident, if you were deemed the one responsible.
Uninsured motorist coverage protects you if you are involved in an accident with someone who does not have adequate insurance coverage.
What Should You Not Say to Your Insurance Company?
After an accident, you’re likely going to be a little riled up. It’s understandable. What’s even more understandable is your desire to have this situation taken care of as quickly as possible. However, it’s important to remember that you and your insurance company have different objectives. While you want to be fairly compensated and get your life back on track, the insurance company is all about protecting their bottom line. As such, it’s common for insurance companies to want to pay out as little as possible. And in an anxious state, you may be willing to accept this. As such, there are several things you should avoid telling your insurance company:
- Do not admit fault. While some accidents may seem cut and dry on the surface, there may be factors involved in the crash that you’re unaware of such as a defective product or a distracted driver who you didn’t know was distracted at the onset of the crash. Rather, stick to the facts of the accident and let a proper investigation determine fault.
- Don’t say that you’re not hurt. After an accident, adrenaline can often mask the severity of injuries. In many cases, injuries such as a traumatic brain injury, may take days or weeks to develop. It’s very likely that you could have sustained an injury without yet realizing it, making it very difficult to prove the legitimacy of your injuries if you already told the insurance company you weren’t hurt.
- Do not accept their initial offer. While it may be tempting to accept the insurance company’s offer, especially if you’re out of work, many initial settlements are low ball offers. Remember, the insurance company is out to pay as little money as possible. Hiring a personal injury attorney can not only help advocate for your rights but make sure the insurance company is offering your a fair settlement for the injuries you sustained and their aftermath.
Contact A Cherry Hill 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 the Law Offices of Andres, Berger & Tran P.C. represent clients injured because of a car accident in Camden, Cherry Hill, Gloucester Township, Winslow, and throughout New Jersey. Call (856) 795-1444 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 264 Kings Highway East, Haddonfield, NJ 08033.
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.
