How to Get the Best Settlement for a Car Accident in NJ

After a car accident, most people want to move on with their lives as quickly as possible. And it makes sense why. No one wants to find themselves butting heads with the insurance company or going through lengthy and anxiety-inducing court battles.

That’s where settlements come in. A settlement allows you to resolve your claim without stepping foot in a courtroom. This can save you time, money, and stress. However, not all settlements are created equal. Accepting too little could leave you struggling to cover medical bills, repairs, or lost wages.

In this guide, we are going to explain how you can maximize your chances of achieving the best possible settlement for your claim. If you need personalized advice about what constitutes a good settlement offer, our New Jersey auto accident lawyer at Rosengard Law Group can help. 

Why Is a Settlement Better Than Going to Trial?

A settlement is an agreement where you and the other party decide on a fair compensation amount without going to court. Settling is often faster, less stressful, and less expensive than going through a lengthy trial.

Trials can be unpredictable, and even if you win, the process may drag on for months or years. A fair settlement lets you avoid uncertainty and focus on healing. However, settling doesn’t mean accepting any offer that comes your way. It’s about negotiating for an amount that truly reflects your losses—something that’s hard to do without the right preparation. 

Understand Exactly How Much Your Claim Is Worth

Before you negotiate, you need to know the full value of your claim. This includes more than just the damage to your car. Factor in your:

• Medical bills (past and future treatments)
• Lost wages if you missed work
• Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
• Emotional distress

And that’s just a short list of possible losses and damages. Insurance companies might downplay your losses, so it’s crucial to calculate damages thoroughly. If you need to, hire an attorney to get a more accurate assessment. This ensures you’re not leaving money on the table that you’ll need later.

• Fact: According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the average economic cost of an injury resulting from a motor vehicle crash ranges from $26,000 to $162,000, depending on the severity. 

Resist the Temptation to Accept the Initial Settlement Offer

Insurance adjusters are trained to offer as little as possible upfront. Don’t take it personally, it’s just their job. Their goal is to close the claim quickly and save their company money. While the first offer might seem tempting—especially if you’re dealing with mounting bills—don’t rush to accept it. 

These initial offers are often far lower than what you’re entitled to. By holding out and negotiating, you can often secure a much higher payout that better reflects the true value of your claim. However, if you’re willing to go the distance to achieve a favorable deal, you will have to accept the fact that the process is going to take several months. That’s about how long personal injury cases take to settle in New Jersey. 

Gather Evidence to Strengthen Your Claim

Strong evidence is every insurance adjuster’s nightmare. By strengthening your claim with evidence, you can maximize your settlement. 

• Document the accident scene by Capturing Photos and videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and vehicle damage
• Police report with details of the crash
• Medical records showing the extent of your injuries
• Witness statements from people who saw the accident

The more proof you have, the harder it is for the other side to dispute your claim. Organized and detailed evidence can make a substantial difference in negotiations.

Lawyer Up to Negotiate

Insurance companies have experienced adjusters and lawyers on their side. And you should, too. Hiring a skilled car accident attorney in Jersey City or any NJ Area levels the playing field.

At Rosengard Law Group, we fight to protect your rights and make sure you don’t settle for less than you deserve. Our attorneys know the tactics insurance companies use and how to counter them. We negotiate aggressively on your behalf to push for the best possible outcome.

Avoid Posting on Social Media

What you share online can hurt your case. That’s because your insurance company is monitoring you after a car accident. Even a harmless post about feeling “better” could be twisted to downplay your injuries. 

However, even pictures or comments that seem unrelated to the accident might still be used against you. That’s why it’s often best to err on the side of caution and refrain from posting anything about your accident, injuries, or daily activities until your legal case is resolved. As a bonus tip, you might want to keep your social media private for the duration of the claims process. 

The Fight for the Best Possible Settlement Begins Now

Getting the best settlement for a car accident in New Jersey requires strategy, persistence, and the right legal team. At Rosengard Law Group, we’re here to help you every step of the way. From calculating the true value of your claim to negotiating with insurance companies, we fight to secure the compensation you deserve. Don’t let the stress of an accident hold you back. Contact Rosengard Law Group via our website or by calling (856) 284-6446, and let us help you take control of your future.