When you’re recovering from a car accident, dealing with the insurance company is often one of the most frustrating parts. You expect fair treatment, but many accident victims find that insurers are more focused on protecting their bottom line than paying out full and fair compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in New Jersey, having a skilled legal team like Nagel Rice LLP can make all the difference. Here’s what to know about dealing with insurers after a car accident and how our team can help. Contact us today to learn what we can offer you.
Understanding Insurance Policy Coverage in New Jersey
The first step in protecting your rights after a crash is understanding your own insurance coverage. While every policy is different, most include a combination of:
- Liability insurance, which covers damage or injuries you cause to others
- Collision coverage, which pays for damage to your vehicle
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or Medical Payments, which help cover your medical bills
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, which applies when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance
After an accident, it’s common to feel overwhelmed by the fine print. But if you don’t know what’s covered—or what exclusions might apply—you risk losing out on benefits you’ve paid for.
Reviewing your policy carefully or having an attorney explain it is a smart move. This is especially important in New Jersey, where PIP coverage is mandatory and lawsuits for pain and suffering are limited unless injuries meet a certain threshold.
Strategies for Dealing with Insurance Adjusters
Insurance adjusters may sound polite and helpful, but they work for the insurance company, not for you. Their job is to limit what the company has to pay. To protect yourself:
- Don’t give a recorded statement without first speaking to a lawyer.
- Avoid speculating or admitting fault—even casual comments can be used against you.
- Be cautious of quick settlement offers, especially early in your recovery.
- Keep detailed records of all communication, medical bills, and repair estimates.
These tips apply whether you’re dealing with your own insurer or the at-fault driver’s company. In many New Jersey car accident cases, even your own PIP provider may challenge medical costs or deny treatments as “unnecessary.”
Negotiating a Fair Settlement
Insurance companies may downplay the value of your claim, especially when it comes to pain and suffering or future medical needs. A fair settlement should account for:
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and emotional distress
To strengthen your position:
- Keep all receipts, invoices, and doctor’s notes
- Follow your medical treatment plan closely
- Avoid discussing your case on social media
- Get independent estimates for vehicle repairs, if needed
If you’re unsure whether an offer is fair, talk to a qualified attorney. Many New Jersey residents have discovered that insurance companies offer significantly higher settlements when a respected trial law firm is involved.
How Nagel Rice Can Help You Handle Insurers
At Nagel Rice, we’ve been holding insurance companies accountable for over 40 years. Our attorneys are known throughout New Jersey for taking on high-stakes cases and securing significant results for injury victims. We understand the tactics insurers use to delay or deny valid claims—and we know how to respond.
When you work with us, you gain:
- Direct access to experienced trial attorneys
- Support from a team that’s secured over $1 billion in verdicts and settlements
- The confidence of knowing your case is being handled with precision and persistence
We step in early to protect your rights and continue advocating for you all the way through trial, if necessary. Whether your case is in Morris County, Union County, Essex County, or anywhere in New Jersey, we’re prepared to fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Don’t Face Insurers Alone
Trying to take on an insurance company alone can feel like fighting an uphill battle. You shouldn’t have to second-guess whether you’re being treated fairly. Let Nagel Rice handle the legal pressure so you can focus on recovery. Contact us today for a consultation and find out how we can help protect your rights and future.