Factors that Can Affect How Long It Takes to Get a Car Accident Settlement
May 14th, 2023
Being in a car accident is a terrible experience as is, and the uncertainty around your car accident settlement can make it worse. You may see your bills begin to pile up while you wait on the compensation you need following your car accident injury.
However, there is an end in sight.
While the time it takes to receive your car accident settlement can vary, an experienced Austin car accident lawyer can help ensure your settlement stays on track and that you receive it within a reasonable amount of time.
Here’s what you can expect as you wait for your car accident settlement.
What Is the Average Time It Takes To Get a Car Accident Settlement?
The actual amount it will take to get a car accident settlement can vary greatly depending on the specifics of your situation. A simple case can be resolved in months while more complex cases can take years.
Typically, cases are resolved in around 6-18 months, however, it depends greatly on the details of your accident.
It’s critical to follow all medical recommendations set forth by your doctors to better understand the long-term effects of your car accident and to work closely with your Austin car accident lawyer to ensure you receive all compensation possible to cover any future medical debts.
Factors That Can Affect How Long Your Car Accident Settlement Takes
As mentioned before, some cases will take longer than others to resolve, which can be frustrating when you aren’t given a clear timeline from your insurance company. If your case seems to be dragging out, there are some reasons why that might be.
Your car accident injury lawyer will be able to answer your questions about delays in your case. What follows are factors that can affect the length of your settlement process:
Legal or Factual Issues With Your Case
If the party at fault for the accident is unclear, you can expect the case to drag out. Additionally, insurance companies may dispute your injuries or act in bad faith to avoid paying out what is owed to you, increasing the length of time to finally get what you deserve.
A skilled car accident injury lawyer can help gather the evidence you need to fight these accusations and delays.
Your Car Accident Injury Claim Is High-Value
Since Texas has uncapped non-economic damages, you may be looking at a big paycheck. If you were seriously injured and have permanent, painful injuries that can translate to high-value compensation, the insurance company will work diligently to drag out the claim as long as possible to hopefully dissuade you from pursuing what is fully owed.
This is where an attorney with car accident settlement experience can help. They can negotiate a higher settlement without needing to go to trial. If the insurance company still doesn’t want to pay, they can also help you with your court case.
You Still Need Multiple Surgeries or Extensive Medical Treatments
If you settle too early, you may find yourself stuck with substantial medical bills. If you’re still recovering, it’s typically best to wait to see how much the accident will actually cost over time.
Once you’ve reached the maximum medical improvement, that’s when it’s time to consider a settlement. Your attorney can negotiate a higher settlement and you can be certain you will have enough to cover your bills.
You Don’t Have an Experienced Attorney in Your Corner
Insurance companies know they can wait you out and have the advantage if you aren’t represented by a lawyer. These companies have years of experience in wearing down claimants in hopes that you’ll take an unfair settlement.
They’ll make your life harder by asking for unnecessary records or even more exams, and may also just dodge your attempts at contacting them.
This is why you need an experienced Austin car accident lawyer in your corner. A knowledgeable lawyer will know all the tricks used by insurance companies and how to counter them while helping you avoid costly mistakes that could negatively affect your claim.
Let Ramos James Law Get You the Car Accident Settlement You Deserve
Don’t let the insurance companies push you around. Let the team at Ramos James Law, PLLC, negotiate a higher settlement for you.
We have years of experience in car accident settlements, and have successfully fought for each of our clients to help them get what they deserve. We are ready to fight for you, too! Call us or use our contact form and see how we can help.