Gunder's settles three lawsuits in one week

Jan. 1, 2020
Gunder's settles with three insurers in one week
Gunder's Auto Center received short pay settlement payments from State Farm, 21st Century and Security National and filed a new lawsuit against Travelers, all in one week.“We stay very busy, and last week was no different other than we received three settlements from insurers to bring closure to three lawsuits; and we filed a new lawsuit against Travelers,” said Ray Gunder, founder of the 43-year-old collision repair business in Lakeland, Fla.On behalf of and at the request of his customers, Gunder took it upon himself to file legal complaints against Farmer’s Insurance, 21st Century and Security National insurance companies. Last week Gunder received notice that both had agreed to pay Gunder for charges they previously denied on items including paint and materials, parts return fees and miscellaneous processes and procedures necessary to perform proper and thorough repairs.  They also agreed to pay all legal costs and Gunder's attorney’s fees, which amounted to $3,314.34 and $1,690.86, respectively.Last week Gunder also received a settlement payment of $346.66 from State Farm. Gunder’s filed a Civil Remedy Notice and the insurer elected to settle rather than go before a judge and jury for previously denied processes and materials. Also last week, a second lawsuit was filed against The Travelers for their non-payment of a parts return fee resulting from the acquisition and return of ill-fitting aftermarket parts. “A fee I might add, that most, if not all other carriers now pay“ stated Gunder.“The more (lawsuits) we do the faster they seem to settle” said Gunder. “The best thing is that more and more insurers and claims people are paying what is fair and reasonable to avoid being sued. The need for legal action is decreasing as more insurers pay what is fair and reasonable. We have a reputation for quality work and I hear on a regular basis now: 'I’m told to pay Gunder’s what you ask for because we know you are going to do it… and actually Ray… we’d pay other shops in your area but they simply don’t ask.'"Gunder said he is overwhelmed at all the attention he has been getting on these lawsuits."I am just a simple country boy who works hard to please my customers and who wants to see my hardworking employees get paid for every drop of sweat," he said. "I couldn’t have waged these efforts or been as successful if it weren’t for my brilliant attorney, Brent Geohagan, and the experience and business coaching of Barrett Smith of ADE. Both have become very close and trusted friends of mine. Without their wealth of knowledge and their moral support and encouragement, I don’t know if I would have or could have embarked on this journey. I know I wouldn’t have been as successful without either of them and their assistance."

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