I wrote a blog on the worst tricks insurance companies use in trying to deny people fair money for their claims after an accident. As a follow up, I wanted to explore what to do if insurance companies use one of these tricks on you and how to best protect yourself going forward:
The least explained but most important insurance in New Jersey is Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Insurance (UM/UIM) Coverage. Insurance agents do not explain this insurance fully, leaving you potentially in trouble with not enough insurance in cases involving serious injuries.
State law in New Jersey requires that insurance companies offer Uninsured and Underinsured motorist coverage as an option up to at least $250,000 for each person and $500,000.00 covering each accident for bodily injury. Insurance companies also have to offer a $500,000 single limit option for uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. You can also have these limits increased further by purchasing an umbrella policy.
Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage is the most important insurance on your car that you can carry. In NJ, besides basic auto policies, all auto policies are required by law to have underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage in the minimum amount of $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident. This minimal coverage is not enough. If you want to protect yourself and your family, you should increase your limits of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
A huge concern of many injured people is feeling wrong about bringing a claim for injuries they sustain as the result of the negligence of another. Some of our clients come into the office and they feel uneasy about pursuing money for personal injury they sustain in an accident. Recovery of money for the negligence of another is a well settled right under our laws. Many times, in not pursuing your just compensation you are only helping insurance companies and hurting your family and yourself.
Underinsured/Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage is the most important insurance on your car that you can carry. In NJ, besides basic auto policies, all auto policies are required by law to have underinsured/uninsured motorist coverage in the minimum amount of $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident. This minimal coverage is not enough. If you want to protect yourself and your family you should increase your limits of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
It is an unfortunate reality to face, but essentially every time an individual travels on the roadways, they are at risk of being involved in an accident. New Jersey residents are also aware that these dangers do not only impact other drivers and passengers on the roads but also pedestrians and cyclists traveling on the roadways as well. Our law firm understands that the risks associated with a car accident are often attributed to a driver's negligence. Because of this, injured victims and family members of deceased victims should note the rights they might have following a car crash.
Many people filing bankruptcy in NJ are unaware that in addition to the federal bankruptcy exemptions, there are state specific exemptions. Although rare, the New Jersey state exemptions sometimes allow a debtor to exempt and retain more of their individual property than would be possible under the federal scheme.
Standing Up to Insurance Companies in Coverage DisputesYou can pay your premiums on time for years, but when you actually bring a claim under your policy, the insurance company suddenly acts like it doesn't know you. You get the runaround or your claim is simply rejected. Or perhaps worse, they sweet-talk you into settling for much less than your claim is worth.
As all personal injury attorneys will tell you, it's important to be careful about posting information on social media when involved in personal injury lawsuits or any litigation.
