How Long Does It Take to Get a Second Settlement Offer in NJ?

Negotiating a fair settlement in a personal injury case can be a frustrating process, especially when the first offer from the insurance company is far lower than what you deserve. Many accident victims wonder: How long does it take to receive a second settlement offer after rejecting the first one? The answer depends on several factors, including the complexity of your case, the tactics used by insurance companies, and the involvement of an experienced personal injury lawyer.

This guide will walk you through what happens after the first offer, what affects the timeline of receiving a second offer, and how you can move your case forward efficiently.

What Happens After the First Settlement Offer?

Once you file a personal injury claim in New Jersey, the insurance company will investigate the incident. This includes reviewing police reports, medical records, witness statements, and any other relevant evidence. Based on their assessment, they will present you with an initial settlement offer.

In most cases, the first offer is significantly lower than the actual value of your claim. Insurance companies use this as a negotiation tactic, hoping that financial pressure will push you to accept a quick payout. If you reject the first offer, your attorney will respond with a counteroffer, and the negotiation process will continue.

Factors That Affect How Long It Takes to Get a Second Offer

There is no fixed timeline for receiving a second settlement offer in New Jersey, but several factors influence the wait time:

• Complexity of the Case: If your case involves serious injuries, disputed liability, or extensive medical treatment, it may take longer for the insurance company to evaluate your counteroffer.
• Insurance Company Tactics: Some insurers intentionally delay settlement negotiations to pressure victims into accepting lower offers. If they sense financial distress, they may try to prolong the process.
• Attorney Involvement: A skilled New Jersey personal injury attorney can expedite negotiations by applying pressure on the insurance company and ensuring they respond in a timely manner.
• Claim Value: Higher-value claims generally take longer to settle, as insurance companies will scrutinize them more thoroughly before making an improved offer.
• New Jersey’s Bad Faith Insurance Laws: Under New Jersey law, insurers must handle claims in good faith. If an insurance company unreasonably delays making a second offer, they could be violating these laws (see N.J.S.A. 17:29B-4).

Typical Timeline for Receiving a Second Settlement Offer

While every case is different, a general timeline for receiving a second settlement offer in New Jersey looks like this:

• First Offer Received (Weeks 4-8 After Claim Submission) – Insurance companies typically make an initial offer within a few weeks to two months after reviewing your claim.
• Counteroffer Sent (Within 1-2 Weeks After Rejection) – Your attorney will review the first offer and submit a counteroffer for a fair settlement amount.
• Waiting for the Second Offer (2-6 Weeks After Counteroffer) – Insurance companies generally take two to six weeks to respond with a second offer. Still, this timeline can stretch longer if they delay negotiations.
• Further Negotiations or Litigation (Varies by Case) – If the second offer is still inadequate, your attorney may continue negotiating or decide to file a lawsuit to push for a fair settlement.

If an insurance company is taking an unreasonable amount of time, your lawyer may escalate the case by filing a lawsuit or citing bad-faith insurance practices.

What to Do While Waiting for the Second Offer

While waiting for the insurance company’s response, there are a few proactive steps you can take:

• Keep Detailed Records: Maintain all medical records, lost wage documentation, and expenses related to your injury to strengthen your case.
• Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Continue receiving medical treatment as recommended to document your ongoing recovery.
• Stay in Communication with Your Lawyer: Your attorney can follow up with the insurance company to ensure they are not unnecessarily delaying your case.
• Consider Mediation or Filing a Lawsuit: If negotiations drag on, mediation or a formal lawsuit may be the next step in securing fair compensation.

Should You Accept the Second Offer?

While the second offer is usually better than the first, that doesn’t mean it’s fair. Before accepting any settlement, consider the following:

• Does it cover all current and future medical expenses?
• Does it compensate for lost wages and reduced earning capacity?
• Does it account for pain, suffering, and emotional distress?
• Is the amount comparable to similar cases in New Jersey?

If the second offer still undervalues your claim, further negotiations or legal action may be necessary.

Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer

Insurance companies do not have your best interests at heart. Their goal is to settle for as little as possible. That’s why working with an experienced New Jersey personal injury lawyer is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve.

At Rosengard Law Group, we aggressively negotiate with insurance companies and won’t let them take advantage of you. If you’re waiting for a second settlement offer or need guidance on your personal injury case, call us today at (856) 284-6446 for a free consultation.