What’s the Risk of Handling My Own Car Accident Claim?

The details of your car accident seem simple and straightforward. It is clear who was at fault and your injuries are significant enough to qualify for compensation. In this case, you might be tempted to handle your own claim to avoid the work of choosing the right lawyer and to save a few dollars.

But, this could be a risky move. Before you decide to handle your own car accident claim, consider the following risks:

You could say the wrong thing: Saying the wrong thing could harm your case. It can minimize your damages to the insurance company or raise suspicion that you were partially to blame. Insurance companies often use tricky tactics to reduce how much they have to compensate you.
Denial of a claim: Even when liability is clear, it is possible for the insurance company to deny your claim. Unfortunately, individuals who choose to handle their own claim tend to be at an increased risk of having their claim denied.
Lower offer: Insurance companies are also more likely to offer you less when you handle your own claim. The insurance company may claim that your injury is not as significant as it really is, and without the right evidence, it can be difficult to prove.
Stress and frustration: Navigating any car accident can be stressful and frustrating. You already have to deal with medical care and time off work, why also deal with constant communication and requests for information from the insurance company or the other lawyers?

The risk of receiving lower compensation than what you need, or having your claim denied altogether, can mean that you do not receive the medical care that you require. You could also lose out on compensation for other areas of your life that the accident has impacted, like lost wages and benefits, or pain and suffering. New Jersey laws do not always make it easy to file a claim and the assistance and experience of a car accident lawyer can be invaluable to your case.

Hire an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today

New Jersey is a no-fault state. This means that your initial damages are limited to the costs that your insurance company will cover. This usually includes medical costs. If your injury is severe enough to require future medical care or an extended time away from work, you may need to seek additional compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

It is usually a good idea to consult with a New Jersey personal injury lawsuit to ensure that you file your claim following state laws. This includes staying within the required statute of limitations. In New Jersey, you have just two years from the date of the accident to file your claim. A car accident lawyer can help you navigate your case, ensuring that you meet this strict timeline, while also avoiding some of the most common risks that come with representing yourself.

Contact an Essex County 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 Birkhold & Maider, LLC represent clients injured because of a car accident in Essex County, Hudson County, Mercer County, Union County, and throughout New Jersey. Call 973-784-8583 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 189 Franklin Avenue, Suite 1, Nutley, NJ 07110, as well as an office in Hamilton, 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.