Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be frustrating and stressful. Not only are you dealing with damage to your car and rehabilitation for physical injuries, but it can be a challenge to work with insurance companies to receive the compensation you deserve. A few weeks or months after the accident, you might be asking: why is my car accident settlement taking so long?
The truth is that a car accident settlement can be drawn out for many reasons. There is a lot of paperwork involved, and the insurance companies want to establish the cause of the accident to determine liability.
If you are navigating the car accident settlement on your own, then it’s likely that there will be delays and you won’t receive fair compensation. So, the best thing that you can do to speed up the process and increase the amount of money you receive is by reaching out to an experienced car accident attorney. Not only can you ask questions, such as why is my car accident settlement taking so long, but you’ll have an expert to negotiate on your behalf.
How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?
Keep in mind that delays with your car accident settlement usually aren’t caused by your personal injury attorney. In fact, many victims find that an experienced attorney can help to speed up the process.
Depending on the severity of the accident and your location, it’s common for car accident settlements to take 6 – 9 months… or even longer. There are many factors that can affect the timeline and the amount of compensation that you receive.
It’s important that you consult with a car accident attorney to design the ideal case that will speed up your timeline. Sometimes, there are strategies that can be used to help you close the case more quickly. But don’t be rushed to negotiate a settlement if it means that you will receive less compensation.
We Understand: You are Anxious to Settle the Case
It takes a lot of work to get your life back together after a major accident. As you are working through rehabilitation and getting ready to go back to work, you are likely feeling a desire to be done with the case. The hope is that you can wrap it up quickly, receive the check, and not worry about the negotiations anymore.
One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is accepting less than the value of your accident because you just want to be done with this process. Instead, let an attorney handle the negotiations on your behalf, and be patient knowing that your legal team is working hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
You know that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries, but you don’t know what you should be asking for. This is where the legal services of an expert personal injury attorney can be invaluable. You need a professional to guide you through this process.
Factors That Affect the Timeline of Your Settlement
Here are a few common reasons why there might be delays with your car accident settlement. If you are asking “why is my car accident settlement taking so long,” then it’s likely because of one or more of these reasons:
- Necessary Medical Treatments: You want all of your medical bills to be covered, so it’s important to reach the maximum level of physical recovery before the case is settled. Ongoing medical care helps to uncover the full extent of your damages. In addition to asking for compensation for surgeries and emergency medical care, you can be compensated for months of doctor’s visits, physical therapy, and ongoing treatments.
- Gathering Financial Documentation: It’s no surprise that there can be delays in the medical industry when it comes to invoicing and documentation. After you are done with treatments, you need to have a strong case with your records and invoices so you can establish the physical limitations, ongoing symptoms, and overall financial burden. If you settle too quickly, then it’s possible that you might be missing out on compensation because of delayed invoices and records.
- Insurance Negotiations: Your car accident attorney will present the evidence to the insurance company and make an initial demand for compensation. Then, the negotiations begin. Remember that the insurance company has the goal to reduce the payouts as much as possible. They are going to take time to review the bills and records, and it’s also necessary to determine liability in the accident. Complex accidents require more time for review and negotiations.
- Court Proceedings: In most situations, car accident settlements can be handled through negotiations and outside of court. But if the insurance company is using delay tactics, such as requesting additional information to postpone payments, then it might be necessary to take the case to court. Your car accident attorney can offer recommendations for the ideal timing to file a lawsuit (if needed). But keep in mind that taking it to court will delay the process even more.
How Much Compensation Will You Receive?
When you are talking to your car accident attorney, ask about their average settlement for car accident back and neck injury, as well as the expected average settlement for non injury car accident (depending on your circumstances).
Keep in mind that these numbers are just estimates. It’s impossible to know how much the insurance company will be willing to pay without going through the negotiations process. But asking these questions can be helpful for you to get a feel for the attorney’s experience and history.
A Car Accident Attorney is Just a Phone Call Away
You don’t need to navigate a car accident settlement on your own. Hiring an attorney is one of the best solutions to speed up your timeline and optimize your compensation. In addition to answering general questions, such as why is my car accident settlement taking so long, your attorney will work as an advocate on your behalf.
Our team at Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. is here to help. If you have been in a car accident, then we invite you to reach out right away for your free consultation: (504) 522-2304.
