Following an automobile accident in New Jersey, the insurance company of the at-fault driver (or the insurance of the victim if the at-fault driver was uninsured) represents the source from which compensation for claims will most likely be paid. Insurance companies are businesses, and to that end they are not looking to make maximum payouts on every claim the occurs. They are looking to make minimum payments, and to that end they will use every tactic available to them to leverage the victim into accepting the minimum.
Drivers involved in accidents in New Jersey should always retain an attorney to represent them following an accident, but the process can take time. Drivers should therefore stay aware of the following common insurance company tactics to protect themselves and their claim:
Requiring the Victim to Make an Immediate Statement of Damages and Injuries
Drivers should always wait to speak with an insurance company until after they have retained an attorney; however, this is not always possible. Many times, individuals need to secure alternate transportation and will reach out to the insurance company to inquire about a rental vehicle. The insurance company may take this opportunity to try and force the driver into making a specific statement about the extent of their personal injuries and damages, in exchange for access to a rental vehicle. Do not provide them with this statement. Doing so can create problems regarding settlements down the road if your damages or injuries have worsened.
You are not required to provide any information regarding your injuries or damages, but the insurance company will seek to force you into doing so before allowing you to receive any benefits. If the insurance company tries to force this disclosure, consult an auto accident attorney immediately and allow the attorney to continue negotiations on your behalf and protect your claim and rights.
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Presenting the Insurance Company as an Advocate for the Injured Driver
Another common tactic used by insurance companies is to position themselves as friends or advocates of the injured driver. The company and its employees may offer themselves as a sympathetic ear, or tell the injured driver that they want to make sure the driver is fully and fairly compensated.
Do not allow yourself to be drawn in by this tactic. The insurance company’s goal is the quick settlement of your claim for the smallest amount possible, and they will tell injured parties the things they want to hear in order to reach that goal. The people that you speak with at the insurance company may be well-meaning and nice, but they do not make the ultimate decision, and have no real authority to negotiate outside of prescribed parameters.
Seeking Out Damaging Information on Social Media
Insurance companies will use every tool at their disposal to try and make the minimum payment possible to an injured party. The way they do this is to have as much damaging information as possible at hand during negotiations to undermine the claims of the injured party.
One of the most powerful tools available is social media. Users of social media revel in the ability to post and share information, pictures, and life happenings with others in their social circle. Being involved in an auto accident can be one of those events people want to share. However, many times these posts and pictures are available to other users without approval, and insurance companies can save these posts and pictures to use against an injured party.
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident of any kind, do not post information or pictures related to the accident or your injuries online. Insurance companies will absolutely find this and use it against you and undermine your right to full compensation.
