When you are filing a Burlington County car accident claim, there are several different levels to keep in consideration. First and foremost, if you have been in an accident, you are going to make a claim with your own insurance company and a claim with the other driver’s insurance company.
The claim filed with your own insurance company is going to be for your medical bills and your medical treatment. The claim filed against the other driver is going to be for the possible damage to your vehicle and any lost wages that you have obtained, as well as any pain, any suffering, and any future medical treatment that may exceed the medical coverage that you have.
It is important for someone involved in an accident to consult with an experienced car accident attorney when filing a Burlington County car accident claim to help streamline the process while the injured person focuses on their recovery.
Filing a Claim
By making a car accident claim, what that means is that the injured party has just told the other driver’s insurance company that they want to make a claim for potential damages. That does not mean that they are filing a lawsuit yet. What happens is after they have complicated their treatment and them and their attorney have a good understanding of the full picture of damages, which includes medical bills, property damage, any lost wages, what the injuries are, and, most importantly, what the prognosis is, determining if they are going to get better, get worse, stay the same.
At that point, a Burlington County lawyer can attempt to resolve the claim with the other driver’s insurance company. If they are unable to resolve that claim, meaning either they did not make an attorney and their client an offer or they did not make them an offer that they all agree is fair, at that point, at this point, they initiate litigation. Now, that claim becomes a lawsuit. They file a lawsuit in Burlington County Superior Court and they pursue litigation against them. It does not mean that the case is going to a trial necessarily. Most cases still do resolve but it will require litigation and may require depositions. It may require an arbitration and, if need be, if the insurance company never makes a fair offer, they will take that claim all the way to a trial.
Limitation on Lawsuit Threshold
One of the unique things with regard to car accident claims in Burlington County and the state of New Jersey is what is called the “limitation on lawsuit threshold.” Sometimes, it is referred to as the verbal threshold. A majority of car accident claims are subject to this threshold and it is an election that a person makes on their car insurance policy when purchasing car insurance in Burlington County and New Jersey. What it says is that for them to be able to make a recovery against another driver, regardless if that other driver is at fault or not, they have to prove that their injuries satisfy one of six categories.
Those six categories are:
- Death
- Dismemberment
- Loss of fetus
- Displaced fracture
- Significant scarring and disfigurement
- Permanent injury
In order to be able to make a recovery and to file a lawsuit against another driver, someone needs to have a treating doctor sign what is called a certification, which indicates whether or not one of those six categories has been satisfied.
Permanent Injury
A lot of times in Burlington County car accident claims, lawyers and their clients are focusing on and dealing with that number six—permanent injury. A permanent injury in the state of New Jersey and Burlington County is defined by the courts as “a body part or organ that has not healed to function normally and will not heal to function normally with further medical treatment.”
If someone files a lawsuit in Burlington County for a car accident, a physician needs to sign a certification stating that, with a reasonable degree of medical probability, the injured party has sustained a permanent injury directly related to the car accident.
If they cannot get a certification signed by a treating physician or they do not have one, their claim will be dismissed. Their claim will be dismissed and they would not be able to make a recovery. That is unique to Burlington County and the state of New Jersey in that someone needs to have that certification, and that certification has to be provided within a certain amount of days of filing their complaint. This is why it is so important to get an experienced Burlington County car accident attorney who knows these laws and who knows how to avoid their client’s claims being dismissed.
Testimonials
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This team is incredible. They are friendly and knowledgeable. I appreciate everything they have done for me and would recommend them to anyone. Overall great experience
Testimonial from Paul D. -
My case settled recently after lasting 4 years. Grungo and Colarulo’s law firm were able to secure a large settlement award for my slip and fall accident. This money will help secure my future for the permanent injury I received as a result of the slip and fall. Everyone was very caring, and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Christine Lafferty is an excellent litigation lawyer. I highly recommend using them if you have been injured or in an accident. I hope I am never in a situation again to need their services, but I know who to go to if I, or any of my family members are ever injured. Thanks Grungo and Colarulo and staff for your compassionate service!
Testimonial from Pamela A. -
Thank you so much Grungo and Colarulo for helping me with my case. Special thanks to Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team. Erica Domingo and her team was very nice and helped me tremendously throughout my case like more than one year and half. They gave me the right advice and guided me through every step of my case. They gave me prompt and clear responses to all my questions. In addition, Erica and her team provided me with all the what if scenarios so that I can have a clear vison of the steps ahead.
I would definitely recommend Grungo and Colarulo.
Thanks again Erica Domingo, Esquire and her team
Testimonial from Ahmed A. -
My wife and I reached out to Grungo Colarulo in 2020 for advise on a legal matter. After a meeting with the Attorney and Paralegal, we decided to go forward with a case. This case required a lot of documentation, and expert review of the documentation which was aquired. Throughout the process, we were kept up to date monthly, and Grungo Colarulo was always responsive to any questions that we had. The entire staff at Grungo Colarulo are very professional, caring, and willing to go the extra mile. This firm is a definite recommend!
Testimonial from Patrick G. -
I left five (5) stars only because that’s as many as I could leave. If I could, I would have left 100 stars. Bob & Christine are the absolute best! My settlement far exceeded what I ever imagined. They are professional, friendly, and really listened to what I had to say. They kept me up to date with the progress of my case every step of the way. I can’t recommend them highly enough.
Testimonial from Sheila L. -
Very professional, communicates well, makes me feel like they have my best interest at heart, and overall just a great company. Christine and the whole team has been on top of everything. Would definitely recommend!! 10/10
Testimonial from Michael M. -
First and foremost I would like to thank the whole team at Grungo Colarulo!! In addition to that, Stephanie & Riley & Drenna have done such an outstanding job taking care of me in such a difficult and low point of my life. I was in a bad car accident & did not know how to move forward with what to do and how to process. Those ladies were there every step, every inch, every mile & beyond with helping me when I had no idea how to navigate. I will forever be thankful for them and for the outcome of my case! If you ever need assistance I highly recommend this practice!!! Beyond professional, helpful, precise, caring, knowledgeable & humble!!!
Testimonial from Rachel F. -
From my first phone call to the end of my case this firm was on the ball!! Always responsive and professional and kept me up to date and informed. This is my firm for any future needs!
Testimonial from Jeffrey F. -
This was my first time ever having to have a lawyer for an automobile accident. From the beginning they took care of everything. They put me at ease so I could concentrate on my medical needs. Everyone I spoke to during the process were always extremely pleasant and knowledgeable.
Thank you to Grungo Colarulo for representing me and getting the settlement you did to help me move forward. I would highly recommend Grungo Colarulo to anyone who wants outstanding legal representation.Testimonial from Pat G. -
This team has been nothing but gentle an generous. Being as this was my first time dealing with a worker’s compensation case I was lost and nervous. But the Grungo Colarulo team has made me feel as comfortable as possible. My needs were addressed with care in a timely fashion. I knew what was going on every step of the way.
Oh, did I mention, WE WON …This teams knowledge of the industry is TOP NOTCH!
Testimonial from Aminah M. -
A dear family friend referred us to a young attorney named Rich Grungo, Jr. We wanted answers and if necessary, justice for our father. From day one of a five-year journey, Mr. Rich Grungo, Jr. made our family and our pain his own. The man never stopped working for us. He kept us informed every step of the way. Questions were answered quickly and with great compassion and expertise. Even though Rich was always busy, he was never too busy for us. We always felt like we were his only clients
Testimonial from Mickey -
I had the opportunity to observe Mr. Grungo work in this case, both in the courtroom on the technical matters of the motions and also as his presentation to the jury in opening and presenting witnesses as well as utilizing animations… and drawings and films that were necessary for a proper understanding of the case…At all times during the presentation, Mr. Grungo operated mostly without notes and questioned the witnesses in a conversational manner which made it most effective. **
New Jersey Superior Court Judge Testimonial -
Thank you for everything. I honestly felt like you treated my son like he was your own son, for that I am grateful. I would recommend your services to anyone. Thanks for being so awesome to both of us.
Testimonial from HD -
It was a pleasure working with Bill. He constantly kept me informed. I would recommend Bill and his firm to anybody I know. They’ll be in good hands.
Testimonial from Gregory -
I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Colarulo for a vehicle accident I encountered. I give him my highest recommendation for anyone in need of an excellent Personal Injury Attorney. Not only does he have an in depth knowledge of the legal field, but he emanates a sense of trust-worthiness that makes you feel secure during the entire process. Mr. Colarulo has the knowledge, drive and enthusiasm that will get the job done for you. He comes highly recommended.
Testimonial from Denise -
Hi Rich, Well I’m on my way up to college to finish packing my son’s stuff up and to go to his Graduation tomorrow. It’s hard to believe how fast and how slow, at the same time 5 years can go by. I was just thinking of you as I am getting ready to leave and wanted to thank you once again for everything you have done for my son’s future. You are a good and just man. God Bless to you and your family.
Be Well,
Testimonial from Bob
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