Our Family Has Given A Voice To The Injured For Over 50 Combined Years
Getting into a car accident in East Orange can be overwhelming, especially when you’re injured and suddenly faced with insurance adjusters pushing for statements or fast settlements. Unfortunately, dealing with insurance companies is often one of the most frustrating parts of the claims process.
According to a Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) analysis of National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) data, insurers denied about 16% of in-network and out-of-network health insurance claims (excluding pharmacy claims) in 2023. Understanding how insurers operate—and what you should and should not say—can make a significant difference in whether you receive fair compensation after an East Orange car accident.
Are Accident Rates Higher in East Orange Than in Other New Jersey Cities?
East Orange sees substantial traffic volume for its size due to its dense residential neighborhoods and its location near major Essex County roadways. Routes such as Interstate 280, the Garden State Parkway, Central Avenue, Freeway Drive East, and Main Street experience frequent congestion, particularly during commuter hours. East Orange is also closely connected to Newark and Orange, which increases daily traffic flow through the city.
Busy intersections along Central Avenue and areas near Parkway entrances are common sites for collisions, including rear-end crashes and pedestrian accidents. These local traffic conditions can increase the likelihood of accidents and complicate insurance claims when multiple drivers or disputed fault are involved.
Should I Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company?
In most cases, you should not give a recorded statement to the other driver’s insurance company. Adjusters are trained to ask questions in ways that may lead you to minimize your injuries or unintentionally accept partial responsibility for the crash. These calls often come shortly after the accident, when you may still be in pain, shaken, or unsure of the full details.
You are generally required to cooperate with your own insurance company, but even then, it is wise to speak carefully or consult an attorney before giving a detailed recorded statement.
What Information Should I Share With Insurance Adjusters?
When communicating with insurance adjusters, stick to basic, factual information only, such as:
- The date, time, and location of the crash.
- The vehicles involved.
- Whether a police report was filed.
Avoid speculating about fault or discussing the severity of your injuries. You can acknowledge that you sought medical treatment, but injuries—especially soft-tissue injuries and concussions—often worsen over time. Providing too much detail too early can harm your claim.
Why Do Insurance Companies Make Quick Settlement Offers?
Insurance companies often issue early settlement offers before accident victims fully understand the extent of their injuries, future medical needs, or lost income. These offers are designed to resolve claims cheaply and quickly. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you usually give up the right to pursue additional compensation, even if your medical bills or time away from work end up costing far more than expected.
What Happens If the Insurance Company Denies My Claim?
A denied claim does not mean your case is over. Insurers may deny valid claims for reasons such as alleged shared fault, questions about injury severity, or policy exclusions. Carefully review the denial letter to identify the stated reason. You typically have the right to appeal, and an attorney can help gather evidence—such as medical records, accident reports, and witness statements—to challenge the denial and pursue compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions: East Orange Car Accidents
How Soon Should I Report the Accident to My Insurance Company?
Most auto insurance policies require prompt notice of an accident, often within 24 to 48 hours. Reporting quickly helps establish a clear timeline and reduces the risk of denial due to delayed notice.
Can Insurance Companies Access My Medical Records?
Insurance companies can only access your medical records if you sign a written authorization. Having a lawyer review any medical release forms helps protect your privacy and limits access to records unrelated to the accident.
How Long Do I Have to File a Claim After a Car Accident in New Jersey?
New Jersey’s statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, insurance claims should be initiated much sooner to comply with policy requirements.
Our East Orange Car Accident Lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP Fight for Maximum Compensation
If you’re struggling with an insurance company after a crash, our East Orange car accident lawyers at Goldstein & Goldstein, LLP are here to help. Call 973-675-8277 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. With an office in East Orange, NJ, we proudly serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.
