Important Things All Drivers Need to Know About Car Insurance Claims
If you’re injured in a car accident, you may have to file a car insurance claim to recover the compensation you need. Understanding how the insurance claim process works and what to expect can help you navigate your car accident a lot easier. Here’s what you need to know about car accidents and filing a subsequent claim for compensation in New Jersey:
New Jersey is a No-Fault Car Insurance State
New Jersey is a no-fault car insurance state. This means that you’ll first file a claim with your insurance company regardless of who’s at fault when a motor vehicle accident occurs.
Filing a Car Insurance Claim Can Increase Your Annual Costs
Filing a car insurance claim can lead to an increase in your annual costs. This increase varies, depending on the value of your claim and who was at fault for the car accident.
Your Vehicle May Be Covered for Non-Accident Related Damages
If your insurance policy includes coverage beyond the minimum, it may cover damages that aren’t due to a car accident. Comprehensive insurance policies cover damages from causes that aren’t related to a car accident. This might include weather-related damage, flooding, or theft. Collision insurance is another full coverage policy covering your liabilities in a car accident.
New Jersey Requires Uninsured/Underinsured Insurance Coverage
Paying more each month for uninsured/underinsured coverage may be frustrating, but it can protect you if you’re in an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance. Uninsured motorist coverage helps cover your costs if you’re in a car accident caused by a driver without sufficient car insurance.
No-Fault Insurance Doesn’t Cover Property Damages
No-fault car insurance doesn’t cover property damages. If you’re in an accident and only have minimum coverage, you may be responsible for your vehicle repairs. This is even the case if another driver is responsible for the accident. Other legal options may be available such as filing a personal injury claim.
It’s always a good idea to reevaluate your car insurance needs each year. This can ensure you have enough coverage in case you’re in an accident.
Your Insurance Company May Not Offer You Enough Money
You expect your insurance company to cover the full cost of your damages. Some insurance companies may try to minimize your injuries or pay you less than what you deserve. It’s usually never a good idea to go with the first settlement offer you receive. Instead, calculate the value of your damages with the help of a personal injury lawyer and then decide how close the offer is to your costs.
When to Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Filing a car insurance claim should be simple. However, this isn’t always the case. If you’re involved in a car accident where the other driver leaves you with expensive medical bills or results in lost wages, it may be worth reaching out to a personal injury lawyer. While your own insurance policy should cover your medical bills, they’re unlikely to cover anything else unless you have full coverage.
Even with a full coverage insurance policy, you could still be left with expensive costs, like lost wages and vehicle repairs. Some car accidents also lead to psychological pain and suffering, which can be harder to calculate but are just as important to consider.
Contact a Perth Amboy Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car 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 a car accident in Clifton, Trenton, Camden, Passaic, 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, NJ.
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.
