A car crash can lead to expensive medical bills and vehicle repairs, forcing you to take time off work to recover. If you were recently involved in an accident, you may be wondering how long you may have to wait to get a settlement from the at-fault party.
The amount of time it takes to obtain a car accident settlement ranges from a couple of months to over a year, depending on factors like injury severity, the clarity of liability, and whether your case goes to trial.
Medical expenses and lost wages can add up fast after a car crash. Our car accident lawyers can take on your case and help you obtain a fair settlement as soon as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Secure a Car Accident Settlement?
It can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to secure a car accident settlement, depending on the circumstances of the crash.
A relatively straightforward claim involving minor injuries and clear liability may be settled within a few months, while a case involving serious injuries, disputed fault, or extensive damages may take significantly longer.
Though it can be tempting to accept a quick settlement check, the first offer from the insurance company probably won’t be worth as much as you deserve.
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What Factors Affect the Settlement Timeline?
Several factors influence a car accident claim’s timeline, including:
- The severity of your injuries: Cases involving serious injuries often take longer to settle because victims may need months of treatment before the full extent of their damages becomes clear.
- The length of your medical treatment: Settlement discussions are often delayed until medical providers can evaluate whether additional treatment or future care will be necessary.
- The clarity of fault: If the parties disagree about who is at fault for the accident, additional investigation may be required before settlement negotiations can move forward.
- The number of parties involved: Claims involving multiple drivers, commercial vehicles, government entities, or other potentially liable parties are generally more complicated and time-consuming.
- Whether insurance companies cooperate: Some insurers are more willing to negotiate than others. Delays may occur if insurers dispute injuries, damages, or liability.
- The extent of your damages: High-value claims typically receive greater scrutiny from insurance companies, which can lead to longer negotiations.
- The availability of evidence: Obtaining crash reports, medical records, witness statements, surveillance footage, and expert opinions can take time.
- Whether litigation is necessary: If settlement negotiations fail and litigation becomes necessary, your case may take significantly longer to resolve.
What Is Maximum Medical Improvement?
Maximum medical improvement is the point at which a doctor determines that an injured person has recovered as much as reasonably possible from their injuries. This does not necessarily mean the person is fully healed, but that further treatment is unlikely to result in significant improvement.
Reaching MMI before you accept a settlement is important because it allows attorneys, insurance companies, and medical professionals to better assess your:
- Future medical costs
- Permanent impairments
- Ongoing limitations
- Long-term care needs
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How Long Does the Insurance Investigation Take?
The period it takes for an insurance company to investigate a car crash can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on case-specific factors like the clarity of liability and the willingness of each party to cooperate.
During the investigation, insurance adjusters typically review:
- Police reports
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Vehicle damage
- Surveillance footage
- Photographs from the accident scene
How Long Do Settlement Negotiations Last?
Settlement negotiations can range from a few weeks to several months. They typically involve the following stages:
- The claimant submits a demand.
- The insurance company reviews the demand.
- The insurer responds with an offer.
- Counteroffers are exchanged.
- The parties either reach an agreement or continue negotiating.
Simple cases may settle after only a few rounds of negotiation, while complex or disputed claims may take longer.
What Happens If a Lawsuit Becomes Necessary?
If settlement negotiations fail, you may need to file a lawsuit to pursue a fair payout for your crash. A lawsuit does not necessarily mean your case will go to trial, as many cases settle after litigation begins. However, the litigation process can add several months or even years to your case’s timeline.
Why You Should Not Rush a Settlement
After a car accident, you may feel pressure to accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer. However, settling too early can cost you in the long run.
In most cases, a car accident settlement is final. Once you accept an offer and sign a release, you generally cannot seek additional compensation later, even if your injuries turn out to be more severe than originally believed. This is why it’s important to decline early settlement offers from insurers and speak to an attorney before signing anything.
What Can You Do to Help Speed Up the Process?
Although many aspects of your case’s timeline are beyond your control, there are steps you can take to avoid unnecessary delays. Specifically, you should:
- Visit a doctor right away: Your medical records will help connect your injuries to the accident.
- Follow your doctor‘s instructions: Consistent treatment can help prevent disputes about your injuries.
- Save evidence: Keep all medical bills, receipts, and other evidence related to your claim.
- Respond to requests promptly: If an insurance company requests additional documentation, it’s important to provide it as soon as you can.
- Get help from a lawyer: A lawyer can help ensure deadlines are met and negotiations proceed efficiently.
Contact a Car Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies can take quite a while to offer a car accident settlement that fully covers your losses. If you were injured in a car crash that wasn’t your fault, an experienced car accident attorney from Postman Law can help you build a strong claim and secure a fair settlement as quickly as possible.
Book a free case review to discuss your case with a lawyer.