While it is not always necessary to retain an injury lawyer, it is important to understand the risks associated with trying to handle a case on your own. The only conditions under which a person can handle a personal injury claim on their own would be the type of case where there are minor medical needs, limited property damage, and a person has not lost time from work, their medical bills have been paid, and they have not suffered a permanent injury.
Under these cicumstances, a person may be able to handle the case on their own, however, even then, an individual needs to be careful if they have no experience in the legal, insurance, or medical world. They need to be very careful about handling those claims on their own and that is why it is recommended that they at least speak to a Camden County personal injury lawyer before making the decision to handle the matter own their own. They have the ability to speak with the personal injury for free and an initial consultation will not cost them money. If they retain an attorney, only if there is a recovery would they be responsible for any fee under the contingency fee agreement.
Complexities of a Claim
Even if the Camden County injury claim seems simple, it can quickly turn complex. When somebody is injured in an accident, they only have one opportunity to make a recovery for their damages and that would mean all of their damages. Many times, an insurance company for the other side is quick to try to offer a settlement for somebody injured in return for a signed release. Once an injured person signs a release, they would be barred from ever bringing a claim against the person that injured them. That is why they have to be a very careful in negotiating when representing themselves.
If somebody needed a surgery, they would not perform it they are not a doctor and if they were a doctor, they still would not perform a surgery on themselves, they would refer a specialist to help them. If someone does not have legal or insurance experience, they need to be careful moving forward because they only have one opportunity to make a complete recovery for their claim.
Common Misconceptions
A common misconception that a person will have is that the insurance company or the owner of the insurance company on the other side is dealing with them in good faith and making them fair offers under the circumstances. What people must understand is the insurance companies specialize in these types of matters. This is what they do on a day in and day out basis. Most people have no experience with insurance claims or lawsuits.
What they can think to be a very simple matter can really be complex. They just simply do not know it and the common misconception that people have is that this is straightforward and they are dealing with straightforward people on the other side. They must consider that, unfortunately, most insurance companies’ interests involve the company’s bottom line and do not have their best interest in mind so they will not be straightforward.
Mistakes To Avoid
One of the biggest mistakes people make before contacting a lawyer is giving recorded statements to the insurance company. These are statements taken by an insurance company whose interests differ from the injured person. What the insurance companies like to do with these recorded statements is use them against the person at a later date. Other mistakes people make are failing to seek appropriate medical care, thinking their injuries are going to go away.
What happens in this instance when handling an accident claim on your own in Camden County is that the more time that passes, the harder it is for you to get the proper medical care. If you delay obtaining medical care, that could be used against you down the road by the insurance company.
Contacting an Attorney
It is never too late to contact an attorney for assistance in an accident claim, because every case is unique and there are so many factors that go into determining what a person’s timeframe is for suing, what a person’s rights are for suing, and whether or not a delay has been caused.
It is never too late and if the case involves a minor, somebody under the age of 18, their statute of limitations would not even begin to run until the age of 18. A minor involved in an accident has until two years after their 18th birthday to bring a lawsuit or until they are 20 years old. If you do not understand the laws of statute of limitations under New Jersey, you may not understand that you may have additional time to bring a claim. It is never too late to contact a personal injury lawyer. There is no downside to having a better understanding of your rights after presenting the factual circumstances to an attorney.
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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