Answering Your Car Accident Questions
Our New Jersey lawyers at Devlin, Cittadino & Shaw, P.C., know how confusing a personal injury claim for a car accident can be. When you have more questions than answers after someone hits you, we want to be the ones who provide you with the guidance you are looking for. Before you meet with our attorneys at our Trenton office, we have taken the time to answer some of the more common answers we get here:
What Should I Do After A Car Accident?
When someone gets into a car accident with you, there are several steps you can take immediately to begin protecting your best interests. While at the scene of the crash, be sure to report the accident to the police to collect a police report, record any witness testimony and get their contact information, and gather the driver’s license, insurance and car information. Additionally, be sure to see a doctor to confirm the severity and full extent of your injuries.
How Does Insurance Value My Car?
Insurance companies have a system in place for the valuation of vehicles, which is often compared to Blue Book valuations. This valuation, along with the extent of damage to your vehicle and its age, will determine the valuation an insurance company provides you. In most cases, the insurance company will not offer you more money than their valuation determines your vehicle is worth.
Can I Challenge The Valuation?
If you do not believe that your insurance company is offering you a fair value on your vehicle, your strongest option to challenge their decision is to hire an independent appraiser to give you an estimate of your vehicle. It is also possible that you will need to seek multiple estimates to bolster your claim for a higher valuation.
What If The Other Driver Does Not Have Insurance?
If the driver that hit you does not have insurance or sufficient coverage for your damages, your insurance may be able to help you. Most coverage policies have uninsured/underinsured coverage within their plans, which can help you make ends meet after your crash.
Should I Talk To The Insurance Company Alone?
After your accident, your insurance company or the liable party’s insurer may reach out to you with “just some standard questions” about your accident. Answering any question, however innocent it appears, can jeopardize the outcome of your claim and cost you the money you deserve. Instead of speaking alone to an insurance company, let a skilled lawyer represent you.
Why Do I Need An Attorney After A Car Accident?
The services an attorney offers can help you secure the outcome you deserve in your case with as little delay as possible. We can act as your advocate to negotiate with insurance companies, collect the necessary evidence, and answer any other questions you may have about your case.
If you are ready to schedule your initial consultation with an attorney you can count on to help you through your car accident claim, call our Trenton office at 609-557-7876 or email us here. Now is the best time to reach out to us, so contact us today.