If a person is going to negotiate a car insurance settlement on their own, they need to first understand their insurance coverage. They need to understand what medical bills are covered, what types of lost wages are covered, and what types of out-of-pocket expenses are covered. Once they understand their own insurance coverage, then they need to understand the full scope of their damages—what medical bills are going to be paid, whether or not there is any lien on the medical bills that they have paid, and any other potential damages that may be applicable to the situation.
This includes accounting for their future damages. When negotiating a claim, a Camden County car accident lawyer can help someone to look at how their life has been impacted, and they can help them to streamline the negotiation process while looking out for their best interest.
Process of Negotiation
When negotiating with an insurance company in Camden County, the first step is to gather complete information regarding the accident itself, the injuries sustained, and the damages that come from that injury. That information would include police reports, witness statements, photographs, medical records, medical bills, and other types of information regarding medical reports. That information is then provided to the insurance company with a demand for a specific amount of money that a plaintiff is asking for to settle the case.
The insurance company would respond to that demand by either rejecting any responsibility for the accident or responding with a counter. That counter would probably be or could be a different number or much lower number than the demand. Then a negotiation would take place, and what someone needs to understand is, depending on the type of accident and the type of damages, what a reasonable value is for that injury is something that comes with the experience of dealing with many cases over a period of time.
Estimating Damages
Most people need to be careful, if they are negotiating themselves, that they have a good understanding of the fair value of their damages. If someone is dealing with negotiation without the help of attorney they need to estimate their damages very carefully. They need to have a complete understanding of the type of insurance coverage that they have, what types of medical bills are going to be paid, and whether or not there is any type of lien or need to pay back any medical bills that have been paid. They need to consider whether there is any sort of insurance for their lost wages and whether they have a right to make other claims for lost wages—whether it be for a disability policy, a disability funding with the federal government, or a workers’ compensation plan or coverage.
To estimate their damages, they need to understand the complete scope of their economic damages and then they also need to understand the scope of their non-economic damages, and non-economic damages would include their physical and emotional damages. That would be their pain, suffering, disability, impairment, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life. Those are the types of damages that there is no formula for but it is something that is determined on a case-by-case basis and a comparison to other types of recoveries made in Camden County.
Demand Letter
When negotiating a car insurance settlement in Camden County, a person should include in their demand letter evidence that supports the responsibility of the other party and the negligence of the party, as well as documents that support every element of the damage they are claiming. If they are claiming lost wage damages, then they need proof of their wages, whether it be through paystubs or tax returns. If they are claiming a need for future medical bills to be paid, they need to provide medical evidence of the needs for that care in the future and the approximate cost.
If they are claiming that they have suffered a permanent injury that will affect them and cause them pain for the rest of their life, they need to provide medical evidence that supports that type of claim. They should include a demand letter and all the types of documents, photographs, or evidence that support not only the other person’s negligence also prove every element of their own damages.
Working with Insurance Companies
Anytime someone has been in a car accident, they are going to have to deal with insurance companies. The first insurance company they deal with most likely will be their own and then immediately after that, they will be dealing with the insurance company on the other side. Someone wants their attorneys to be able to represent and protect their interest not only with the insurance company, but also the insurance company of whoever injured them. Based on their experience and the resources of the attorney, they will try to work out a resolution and settlement of a claim before having to file a lawsuit.
Considering a Settlement
If somebody would sign a release or resolve their claim too soon in the process, they could be forever barred from making any sort of recovery in the future for their injuries. There is no set timetable or set formula to look for to decide when a car accident case should be settled because every case is unique. What people need to consider is the scope of their injuries and their damages, as well as how much time it will take to take a case all the way to a verdict. They should also consider the likely result in front of a jury and the likelihood of appeals based on legal issues or other issues unique to the case.
Only after consulting with an experienced attorney should somebody ever consider settling their case or signing a release.
Testimonials
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
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!
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
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!
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.
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
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!!!
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!
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.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!
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
MickeyI 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 JudgeThank 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.
HDIt 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.
GregoryI 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.
DeniseHi 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,
Bob
Grungo Colarulo
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