Dealing with the outcome of an accident in New Jersey can be overwhelming. You might be eager to put the experience behind you by accepting the low-ball settlement your insurance company offers. However, with help from a knowledgeable personal injury attorney, you could collect far more. Weigh the following information before accepting an accident settlement offer.
Your Claim is Likely Worth Much More Than the Insurance Company is Offering
Anyone who has been injured in an accident should grasp the full extent of their claim. This includes not only immediate medical expenses and lost wages but also future medical treatments, potential future earnings loss, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. A personal injury attorney can help you evaluate the full scope of your claim, ensuring you don’t settle for less than you deserve. And don’t worry—rejecting an offer now doesn’t affect your ability to receive compensation later through a personal injury claim.
Insurance Companies are Not on Your Side
While your insurance agent may appear helpful at first, their primary goals are to minimize payouts and avoid litigation. This means they might offer a quick settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries, the total cost of your future medical needs, or the impact on your ability to work. These early offers rarely cover everything you’re entitled to.
Timing Your Settlement Right is Important
Deciding when to settle is crucial. You have control over the timing, but don’t forget to consider your state of recovery and the statute of limitations. Settling before you understand the full extent of your injuries may result in the settlement falling short of your needs. At the same time, waiting more than two years past the accident date could bar you from receiving compensation. Remember, settlement agreements are final and binding. You can’t ask for more money in the future, and you can’t take the case back to court, so it’s essential to get it right.
Receiving Your Settlement Takes Time
Once you reach a settlement, you don’t receive your compensation right away. The insurance company needs time to process the settlement, which usually takes about a month, although delays can push this out further. Understanding these steps helps you set realistic expectations for when you will receive your compensation.
A Personal Injury Attorney Can Help
The complex personal injury claims process calls for professional legal counsel. An attorney can help you navigate your New Jersey personal injury lawsuit, advocate on your behalf, and ensure that any settlement offer fairly compensates for your injuries and losses.
Moon & Associates is highly qualified to represent you. We have nearly 25 years of experience handling personal injury cases with seasoned expertise and youthful creativity. Our experienced trial and litigation attorneys have been on both sides of personal injury cases, giving us a distinct advantage. We are hands-on, personable, and ready to do the hard work on your behalf! If you’re navigating the early stages of a personal injury claim, don’t go it alone. Contact us at (201) 272-1077 to schedule a free case evaluation at our office in Englewood Cliffs, NJ.