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How Insurance Companies Handle Car Accident Claims

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Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C.

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Written/Reviewed By:

Barry S. Kantrowitz, Esq.

Last Updated: May 29, 2025

Read Time: 4 mins

One of the first steps many people take after a car accident is notifying their insurance company about the incident. This starts a process that can be time-consuming and unfamiliar, especially for those dealing with significant injuries or vehicle damage. Insurance companies have their own systems for reviewing, adjusting, and settling claims, and these don’t always align with what’s best for the injured person. At our firm, we often work with clients who come to us after trying to deal with insurers on their own—only to find that their concerns weren’t fully addressed or their damages underestimated. We help people in situations involving serious injury, wrongful death, and disputed liability. If you’ve been injured and need legal support, a Hackensack, NJ car accident lawyer may be able to help you move forward with confidence.

Initial Report And Claim Review

Most insurance companies begin their process by assigning a claims adjuster to review your case. The adjuster is responsible for gathering documentation, evaluating the damages, and determining what the company is willing to pay. This includes reviewing police reports, medical records, photographs, and any available witness statements. They may also ask for a recorded statement, which can later be used to dispute liability or reduce the value of your claim.

Adjusters are trained to look for information that limits the company’s payout. This could include arguments about shared fault, pre-existing conditions, or whether the injuries were caused by the accident. Because of this, we encourage clients not to give a recorded statement without legal guidance.

Settlement Offers And Disputed Value

Once the adjuster completes their review, they may present a settlement offer. In many cases, this offer is significantly lower than what the injured person needs to cover medical expenses, lost income, or long-term care. Insurance companies may calculate damages based on their internal guidelines, which often do not reflect the full impact of the injury on your life.

We frequently see cases where initial offers don’t account for future treatment, missed work, or emotional distress. That’s one reason why it’s important to have a legal team who can review the offer and respond with proper documentation. In some cases, this results in a better settlement offer; in others, it may require getting ready to take the case to court.

Delays And Denials

Insurance companies also have a reputation for delaying claims. These delays can create pressure on injured people to accept low offers simply to cover bills or replace lost wages. In more serious cases, they may deny claims outright, citing exclusions, liability issues, or incomplete documentation.

We help our clients by following up on missed deadlines, submitting formal responses, and presenting new evidence when necessary. Our team also handles uninsured and underinsured motorist claims, which require a separate process and can be confusing for those who are unfamiliar with policy language.

A Clear Process And Responsive Help

We understand that clients are looking for clear answers and practical support when dealing with car insurance companies. At our firm, we prioritize quick communication and direct case handling, which means you won’t be handed off to an assistant or left without updates. Our attorneys handle both pre-litigation claims and full lawsuits, depending on the severity of the situation and how the insurance company responds.

Helping You Move Forward After A Car Accident

If you’re handling an injury claim and feel the insurance company isn’t acting in good faith, it may be time to speak with a legal team that will stand up for your interests. Attorneys at Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. handle cases involving serious injuries, denied claims, and undervalued settlements. If you need guidance from our legal professional, we’re here to help you protect your rights and pursue what you’re owed.

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Client Reviews

    
 
 
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   LWelsh 
 8 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Clever and efficient.
  
 
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   Kenny Perlow 
 29 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. KGG Law, and Barry Kantrowitz in particular, set the bar high for what a thorough, practical, strategic, compassionate and smart lawyer can be. Everything about Barry's advice and representation was exemplary and the stress mitigation that resulted was invaluable. On top of that, the ultimate result Barry achieved was beyond what was reasonable to expect and we are forever grateful. Often, people say that you hire a lawyer to prevent a problem. Sometimes, unfortunately, you need an attorney to solve a problem and I could not recommend Barry and his firm any more highly in that regard.
  
 
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   Aliza Ali 
 93 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My dad had a great experience with this law firm. From the very beginning, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and always willing to answer our questions. They kept us informed throughout the entire process and made what could have been a very stressful situation much easier to handle. We truly appreciated their dedication, honesty, and hard work. Thanks to their support, my dad felt confident every step of the way. We are very grateful for everything they did and would highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for reliable legal representation.
  
 
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   Jana Montero 
 96 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a wonderful experience working with Sam Smith. He was very responsive, thorough, and easy to work with from start to finish. He walked me through everything clearly and made what started as a very stressful situation for me into something completely manageable. I would not hesitate to recommend him and the firm!
  
 
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   Mike Sakmann 
 102 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I sought legal advice regarding an employment matter and had an excellent experience working with Sam Smith, Esq. at KGG Law. Sam was thorough, attentive, and took the time to listen carefully to my concerns before providing clear, thoughtful guidance. I appreciated the professionalism and care shown throughout the process, and I would confidently recommend KGG Law to anyone in need of legal assistance.
  
 
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   Liz Hecker 
 108 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can't say enough about this firm. They manage to comfort you during the whole legal process while staying professional and doing what is right. I would recommend them to anyone and also hire them again if I need legal help.
  
 
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   Brandy Miller 
 131 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate is the best. She helped me very quickly, and was very attentive with all of my needs. So thankful for her
  
 
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   Mike Greenspan 
 144 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Kate Carballo is a dedicated, passionate, and creative attorney whom I had the pleasure to lecture with at a state trial lawyer's conference. Kate's lecture demonstrated how she uses her innovative and "out-of-the-box thinking" to achieve outstanding results for her injured clients. That Kate is certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney is a testament to her skills, experience and commitment to excellence.
  
 
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   Jonathan Sampson 
 151 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Was referred to KGG law by a friend and could not have asked for better legal representation. They walked me through every step of the process after my accident and began every call with “ how are you feeling” which was just one example of how much they care about their clients. They handled my case very efficiently, professionally and courteously. My attorney Kate Carballo was a rock star! So clearly experienced, she consistently made me feel at ease with the process. Highly recommend
  
 
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   Vinnie Kung 
 154 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with the team at KGG Law. While it was a traumatic time for our family, they made it very easy for us and explained all of our options. They even performed due diligence to make sure that after our settlement, there would be no further issues which I think is even more important than the settlement itself. Thank you!

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