How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim?

Car accidents seem to be increasing by the day. Unfortunately, the country has to deal with the death and injuries of innocent people due to careless driving. If you’re involved in a vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver, you have the right to claim damages and compensation.

Countrywide, car accident victims wonder how long it takes for an auto accident claim to settle. Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer. In most cases, the content of the case determines the time it will take to settle the claim. Typically, it may take a few months, but it can also drag for several years.

Some car accident cases are relatively straightforward, and you can get a settlement in months. However, most cases are complex and require much work behind the scenes. In addition, some factors determine how long your car accident case will take to settle. Either way, an experienced car accident attorney can shorten the settlement time by reviewing the facts and offering assistance.

What Factor Determine the Claim Settlement Time?

As highlighted above, some factors could play a huge role in delaying claim settlement. Understanding such factors can help you to know how to go about it.

Proving Liability

In most cases, the negligent driver will not admit fault. Therefore, you must establish liability and prove negligence. This is a complex undertaking in some accidents. In addition, legal aspects such as comparative negligence could complicate the process. As such, the process of determining liability will make the settlement process take longer. Consult a car accident attorney any step of the way so that you can prove liability easily.

Interviewing Eyewitnesses

It is always advisable to have eyewitnesses in case of an accident. They help collaborate and strengthen your case. However, having many eyewitnesses is time-consuming, which means your process can take several months. There’s nothing wrong with enhancing your case through eyewitnesses. However, it would be ideal if you could interview them quickly.

Recovery Time for Injuries

Recovery time plays a vital role in settling claims. First, you need to wait for the final medical bills to be determined. Also, it is necessary to decide whether or not you’ll need additional medical care in the future. Your car accident attorney will not proceed with the case until your total medical cost, and future expenses can be established. This is the only way the optimum compensation and damages will be realized.

Delay Tactics from Insurance Companies

Insurance companies will always try to find information that can devalue your claim. Other companies will use some delaying tactics before paying out settlements. This has been a standard trend that extends the claim settlement period.

Don’t allow insurance companies to bully you during the settlement process. Instead, always incorporate experienced attorneys who are familiar with the tactics used by insurance companies. Knowledgeable attorneys will push insurance companies and ensure they have settled the claim quickly.

How to Calculate and Get Maximum Claim Settlement?

It is not all about speeding the claim settlement process. First, you need to ensure that your claim is calculated appropriately. Your goal is to get maximum compensation to handle medical expenses and continue to live a comfortable life. Generally, your car accident lawyer will push for economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages constitute the bills or invoices. Some of the financial damages you need to consider include:

• Medical bills (ambulance charges, surgical expenses, hospital stays, prescription medication, etc.)
• Loss of income (compensation for days missed in work)
• Out-of-pocket costs such as travels and doctor appointments
• Property damages (the actual cost of repairing your vehicle)

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are all the necessary claims that cannot be classified as bills or invoices. You need to have the best attorney handling your claim process, as he will help determine non-economic damages. Some of the non-economic damages you should consider:

• Pain and suffering (emotional stress, mental anguish, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, etc.)
• Loss of consortium and companionship
• Wrongful death (funeral expenses etc.)

Get Assistance from an Experienced and Reputable Car Accident Attorney Today

Do you need assistance with car accident claims? Experienced car accident lawyers at AttorneyJeff Law Firm are focused on reviewing your case and representing you in the entire process for optimum outcomes.

As you can see, there are technical aspects you’ll struggle to handle. You don’t want to be in a position where insurance companies or the negligent driver’s legal team will blame you. That’s why you need credible accident attorneys to handle your claim.

Please don’t hesitate to call us today for more information on how we can assist in your car accident claim process.