Waiting for a car accident settlement can feel like it’s taking a lifetime, especially if there are unpaid medical bills and lost wages from being unable to return to work. However, it’s important to understand that car accident settlements do not appear overnight. The process of receiving compensation involves several stages, each of which can be time-consuming. This thorough process ensures that all aspects of the car accident claim are carefully considered, which is essential for achieving a fair settlement amount. As a result, it may take longer than anticipated to receive compensation, however a Port Charlotte car accident lawyer can provide valuable guidance, and help individuals navigate the complexities of the process and establish a realistic timeline for when they can expect to receive their settlement.
How Long Do Most Car Accident Settlements Take?
How long it takes to receive a car accident settlement depends on several factors, including:
- The severity of the accident
- How easy it is to determine liability
- How severe the injuries sustained are
Completing the discovery process, which involves the exchange of potential evidence, also plays an important role in determining the length of time it takes to receive a car accident settlement. Another factor that affects the timeline is the willingness of the parties to compromise, and the cooperation of the insurance company. The level of cooperation can either expedite or prolong the settlement process.
Settlement timelines can vary widely due to these factors, as no two settlements or car accidents are the same. While many car accident claims can be settled in just six to eight weeks, others can take several years to be completed. For simpler cases, the process may take approximately 1 to 6 months. For moderate car accident cases, it can extend to about 6 to 12 months. However, more complex or severe car accident claims might take 12 to 24 months or even longer to reach a resolution. A Port Charlotte car accident attorney can help individuals understand the variables involved in their claims and establish a realistic timeframe for when they might receive their settlement.
Factors That May Prolong Receiving A Car Accident Settlement
There are several factors that can delay or prolong a car accident settlement claim. Each car accident settlement claim is unique due to the unique circumstances surrounding every car accident. As a result, the timeline for reaching a settlement can vary significantly from one case to another, with some settlements taking longer than others.
A Lot of Money Is At Stake
A car accident claim can be drawn out when a significant amount of money is at stake. Insurance companies are more worried about the money they can save rather than compensating a victim for their injuries. Therefore, they aim to minimize their payouts, so when faced with a case that could result in a large compensation sum, they often do anything they can, including taking extensive measures, to delay the process. They do this in an effort to find weaknesses in your claim and undermine your credibility. Only after exhausting all their options and failing to provide evidence dismissing your claimed injuries will they consider making a reasonable offer. Additionally, some insurance companies draw out the claims process as a tactic to pressure severely injured victims into taking less compensation than they deserve, especially those who might not be willing or able to wait too long for compensation.
There Are Problems With The Case
A car accident claim can be prolonged due to various problems that arise with the case, particularly issues with determining who is liable for injuries and damages. If there is difficulty when proving whether or not the defendant was liable for your injuries, the insurance company is less likely to offer a reasonable settlement, or may deny compensation all together, as they may doubt your legal right to it. Additionally, if your physician cannot create a definitive link from your injuries to the accident, this can further undermine your case, leading to delays in reaching a settlement.
Still Receiving Treatment
Your car accident claim might also be prolonged, or a settlement delayed because you are still receiving treatment for your injuries. It is very important for accident victims to reach a point of maximum medical improvement before finalizing a car accident settlement. This is because it is difficult to accurately assess the value of sustained injuries and the cost of their treatment without knowing if or when full recovery will occur. Waiting until maximum medical improvement occurs, as long as it is within the statute of limitations, ensures a more precise determination of your car accident settlement, which increases the likelihood of obtaining the just compensation you deserve.
Court Backlogs
It’s important to keep in mind that court backlogs can significantly delay the car accident settlement process. The court system in Florida can be very busy, particularly during peak times, can be backed up. These backlogs in the court system mean that even once all other aspects of the car accident claim are ready, the actual court proceedings may still be delayed, meaning the case will have to wait until there is time to handle it, which further prolongs the settlement process.
How A Car Accident Lawyer Can Help
A car accident lawyer can play an important role in ensuring that you receive your car accident settlement as soon as feasibly possible. They are skilled at navigating the complexities of the legal system, managing paperwork, and holding insurance companies accountable to avoid unnecessary delays. Additionally, a car accident lawyer can provide you with a realistic timeline for your settlement by evaluating the key factors of your case, considering variables such as court backlogs and the severity of the accident. This guidance helps set clear expectations for their clients and reduces the uncertainty often associated with the car accident settlement process.
