Once you decide to file a personal injury claim, you’ll probably wonder how long it will take for the case to settle. Car accidents can leave you with massive medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. It’s only normal to want to know how long you have to wait until you receive your compensation. Although each case is unique, this article highlights some general information about the duration of car accident claims.
The Process of a Car Accident Settlement
Most car accident cases are settled out of court. As the victim, you will file the claim and attach supporting documentation like medical expenses and damages. The insurance company will review it and offer you a settlement. In most cases, that settlement is hardly enough to cover the losses you have incurred. That’s why it’s advisable to have an attorney from the start. You can visit these car accident lawyers to learn the value of your case and how they can defend you.
If your case isn’t complicated, the case will be resolved in a short period. However, if there’s a dispute about who caused the accident or the extent of the person’s damages, these cases can quickly turn into lawsuits that are often lengthy.
Factors That Determine How Long the Case Will Take to Settle
As mentioned, the particulars of your case will determine how long it will take to settle. But generally, some factors could determine how long the case will take.
The Type and Extent of Injuries
Car accident injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to serious injuries such as amputations, paralysis, or brain injuries. Lawyers advise clients not to settle their claims until they understand the full extent of their injuries. After accepting a settlement offer and signing the paperwork, you can’t request more money down the line. Because of this, you may have to wait for a few months until you recover or understand the care you’ll need going forward. This means the case will take longer to settle.
Liability
Proving negligence in car accidents isn’t always easy. While a car accident police report can help determine the party at fault, other things also contribute to proving liability. There are instances where both parties are at fault, making the case more complicated. If there’s a conflict in determining liability, the settlement process will take longer.
The Insurance Company
The more serious a car accident is, the longer it will take for the insurance company to settle. Insurance companies have to investigate cases before settling claims. Unfortunately, this can take a long time because they want to find anything that can devalue your claim. Work with an attorney who knows how to handle such tactics from insurance companies.
Whether Your Case Goes to Court
Personal injury cases are often settled out of court. Still, sometimes the insurance company can deny your claim, necessitating the need to file a personal injury lawsuit. Lawsuits take time to settle. You need to look for the right personal injury attorney to represent you in court. They will collect evidence for your case and prepare you for court proceedings.
Why You Shouldn’t Settle Too Soon
Car accidents are usually accompanied by mounting bills which can tempt you to settle quickly and put this whole thing behind you. The only problem is that you could be leaving thousands of dollars on the table by settling too soon. Allow a car accident attorney to fight for you. They can advise you when is the right time to settle and how much you should accept based on the damages.
The process of settling a car accident claim can take a long or short time, based on your case. Don’t feel pressured to settle quickly, especially if you know the money you’re receiving isn’t enough to cover the expenses you have incurred.
