Can an Insurer Claim My Injuries Aren’t Serious?

Following an accident in New Jersey, you’ll likely be contacted by an insurance adjuster representing the at-fault driver. Despite their friendly demeanor, it’s crucial to understand that their goal is to investigate the claim, minimize the payout, and secure a swift, inexpensive resolution before you know the full scope of your damages or engage legal counsel. One tactic they may employ to undervalue your claim is arguing that your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed. Given the potential consequences, it’s in your best interest to connect with our determined Jersey City Injury Lawyers who can help accurately assess the full value of your claim and effectively counter the insurer’s attempts to minimize your injuries. 

How Does Injury Severity Affect Compensation? 

First, it’s crucial to understand that the severity of your injury is the primary factor determining the total worth of your personal injury claim, impacting both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages cover tangible costs like current and future medical bills, lost income or reduced earning potential, rehabilitation, and various out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, address intangible losses such as physical pain, emotional distress, diminished quality of life, and any lasting or permanent consequences of the injury. 

How Can I Prove My Injuries Are Serious? 

To prove your injuries are serious, you will need strong, consistent evidence. This means gathering expert doctors to explain how severe your injuries really are and how they are linked to the accident. It’s advisable to keep a detailed pain journal, describing your symptoms, discomfort, what you can’t engage in anymore, and how your life has changed significantly. Furthermore, you should have people who know you, like family, friends, or co-workers, speak up about the noticeable changes they have witnessed since the accident. When all these pieces are put together, it makes your case much stronger. 

How Should You Respond When the Insurance Company Challenges Your Injuries?  

If the at-fault party’s insurance company offers a low valuation for your personal injury claim, it’s important to resist the urge to accept their initial offer. At this juncture, you should strengthen your case by gathering all your medical records, keeping up with your doctor’s visits, looking for alternative expert opinions, and writing down every detail of your recovery. 

Refrain from agreeing to premature, inadequate settlement proposals, as the full scope of your injuries may not be apparent, and accepting a settlement typically forfeits any future claims for additional compensation. You should avoid negotiations until you’ve reached Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI). 

Engaging a qualified Jersey City injury lawyer is strongly advised, as they can help collect and present medical evidence, deal with insurers, fight against their tactics to minimize payout, and fight for the best possible outcome for your case. At Lerner, Piermont, Riverol & Lawlor, P.A., we are prepared to accurately assess your claim’s true worth and prepare for litigation if necessary, ensuring your rights are protected and improving the likelihood of a favorable resolution. Connect with our firm today to schedule a consultation.