Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often employ delay tactics, offering low settlements or prolonging negotiations in hopes that you will either give up due to financial pressure or run out of time to sue. Working with a qualified car accident lawyer is advisable to counteract these strategies.
A skilled car accident lawyer will be familiar with the insurance companies’ tricks and tactics, effectively handling communication to keep the case moving forward. If the insurance company refuses to negotiate, the injury claim may ultimately need to be resolved in a trial, which can further affect the settlement timeline.
Settlement Request and Rebuttal
The settlement request and rebuttal process begins when your lawyer submits a demand for settlement to the other party’s insurance company. The insurance company then decides whether to make a settlement offer, which your lawyer will review and advise you on. This process usually takes several weeks, but it can take longer if there are multiple rounds of negotiations.
If no agreement is reached, your lawyer will file a legal complaint with the court, and the other party will be served a lawsuit notice and given a chance to respond. If the parties can reach a consensus, the case settles, and attorneys draft legal documents outlining the settlement terms. Once signed and properly witnessed, the funds can be disbursed.
Negotiations and Your Patience Level
Your patience level during negotiations can play a significant role in determining the timeframe for a car accident settlement because settlement negotiations can be extensive. The length of this process can impact your chances of receiving a higher settlement, but it also extends the time it takes to pay your bills and return to normalcy.
You have some control over the duration of negotiations. For example, you can choose to accept a slightly smaller offer to expedite the process or take your case to court, though this may prolong the timeline further. Be aware that insurance companies may employ stall tactics, such as disputing the extent of your injuries or accusing you of inflating medical expenses, to delay or dispute your claim. Ultimately, reaching a settlement depends on the evidence gathered, the demand letter issued, and the ongoing negotiations between the involved parties.
The Potential Need for a Trial
If your case must go to trial, the timeline for receiving compensation will be extended. A few reasons that may lead to a trial include: a looming statute of limitations deadline (the time limit you have to take legal action), the insurer denying liability or alleging the victim’s contribution to the crash, or the insurance company refusing to agree to a fair case value. In some instances, victims may sue and subsequently have their attorney negotiate a better settlement with the insurer before the case advances in court, which is a common outcome.
If a settlement cannot be reached, the court will set a date for both parties to appear before a judge. Attorneys from both sides will present their legal arguments, and the judge will deliver a verdict. If the judge rules in your favor, the other party will be required to pay you. Generally, trials last only a day or two, but the overall process leading up to and including the trial can significantly extend the settlement timeline.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Settlement Check After a Car Accident?
As discussed above, there are many factors that can affect the timeframe for reaching a settlement after a car accident, such as the injuries you suffered and the complexity of your overall claim. However, once an agreement is reached and a release is signed, you will typically receive a check within 30 days. If you don’t hear from the insurance company within this timeframe, you should ask your lawyers to seek an update.
See How We Can Help You Get the Settlement You Deserve
While it is tough to answer the question “how long do car accident settlements take?” without understanding the specific details and circumstances of your car accident, we certainly know how important it is for our clients to receive justice as quickly as possible.
Without legal representation, the average car accident settlement time is typically longer. A qualified car accident attorney can stop delaying tactics, effectively argue your case, and help maximize your settlement. Since 1953, the diligent attorneys at Ashcraft & Gerel have been helping victims settle their car accident claims with compassion and attention to detail. If you’re wondering what your estimated auto accident settlement time frame
might be, call us at 844-680-0339 or schedule your free consultation to get started.
