New Jersey state law requires auto insurance in order to legally operate a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, many drivers still take the risk and drive without the minimum liability coverage. The minimum amount of insurance required to register a car in New Jersey is $15,000, so a sizable number of motorists opt for the lowest coverage. Unfortunately, when serious accidents occur, there may not be adequate coverage to cover all damages.
As a result, if your injuries and losses exceed the coverage amounts of the driver who hit you, there may be a way to obtain additional compensation from your own insurance company. Insurers are required to offer drivers both Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM), which protect you from financially irresponsible drivers. Unfortunately, obtaining the compensation from this coverage may be difficult.
A Burlington County uninsured/underinsured motorist accident lawyer can help determine your legal options for pursuing an uninsured/underinsured motorist injury claim. A determined car accident attorney can help you get the compensation you need and deserve, even if the other driver does not have adequate coverage.
Determining Liability in an Accident Involving an Uninsured/Underinsured Driver
Uninsured/underinsured driver issues can elevate an already stressful situation. If you were injured in a car crash by a negligent driver who did not carry enough insurance to cover the total costs of damages, a number of concerns can arise.
In a dispute arising from a collision involving an uninsured or underinsured driver, the victim must be able to prove the negligence of the careless driver. If he or she can show that the defendant violated a number of New Jersey traffic laws, or even one, and that the violation(s) resulted in the crash, the defendant may be found negligent.
Some of the damages that may be sought in a case involving an uninsured or underinsured driver include:
- Lost wages
- Medical bills
- Property damage
- Future treatment costs
Plaintiffs may also seek compensation for less tangible losses such as pain and suffering, although the full extent of the damages incurred must be established, often by testimony from medical expert witnesses.
The victim may also be able to obtain compensation through their own insurance policy. However, many insurance carriers seek to pay victims as little as possible and even go as far as denying claims outright with no legitimate reason. If the insurer fails to offer an appropriate settlement amount or denies a claim unfairly, the victim may potentially also bring a bad faith claim against the insurance carrier with the help of a Burlington County uninsured/underinsured motorist accident lawyer.
How Negligence on the Insurer’s Behalf Can Impact Burlington County Claims
“Bad faith” claims are often pled by policyholders who believe they suffered damages as the result of an insurer’s negligent actions. An insurance company is liable to a policyholder for consequential damages in excess of the policy amount if the damages were fairly within the terms of the policy.
Bad faith may exist if the adjuster for the victim’s insurance company refused to give any specific reasons for an unreasonable settlement offer or denial. When drivers negotiate a settlement their insurance carrier, as part of uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, they intend to receive a paid-for promise by the insurer.
Moreover, the insurance company has a duty to provide protection and negotiate or settle claims in good faith. This is not always the case. Along with dealing with the stressful nature of a collision, victims could also be placed in a position where the insurer offers little to no compensation. Under New Jersey law, policyholders may file a bad faith claim against the insurer if they feel the insurance company failed to settle their claim.
Contacting a Burlington County Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Accident Attorney
To file an uninsured/underinsured motorist claim, it is advisable to speak with a knowledgeable Burlington County uninsured/underinsured motorist accident lawyer who can answer your legal questions and concerns and provide representation. To learn more, call today.
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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