The time it will take for you to receive a settlement check following a car accident in Florida will depend on several factors. In the best of circumstances, all things considered, it may take three to six months. As the case becomes more complex and nuanced, it could take a year or more to resolve your case.
If you have been in a car accident, aFlorida car accident lawyer could help. Though they cannot speed up the process, they can ensure your case stays on track and fight for the compensation you deserve.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement in Florida
There are several steps in the personal injury claims process:
Report the Accident
After any car accident in Florida, you should call 911 so that the police can generate a police report. You will also need to open a claim with your insurer under yourpersonal injury protection (PIP) policy. You should provide basic information when you speak with them and the police, such as time, date, location, and any information you collected from the other driver. However, do not give anything more. Be very guarded with what you share, and never admit fault.
See a Doctor
Sometime after the accident, preferably as soon as possible, you need to see a doctor. They can diagnose injuries and start you on a treatment plan. This step will generate the medical records needed for your settlement. Any delay between the accident and medical treatment can be used to contest the severity and source of your injuries.
Get Repair Estimates
The insurance adjuster will assess your vehicle and determine your repair costs. You, in turn, should have your vehicle checked by a repair shop for their estimates. You will need to submit this estimate to your insurer as well.
Provide Documentation on the Accident
During the insurance company’s investigation, you should be transparent and helpful. Provide all estimates and bills. You will also need to submit the police report.
Accept or Challenge Offers
Once they complete their investigation, the insurance company will offer a settlement. You can accept their initial offer, although many initial offers are below actual losses. Instead, you could enter negotiations, presenting additional evidence to receive a better offer.
At each point in the settlement process, there could be complications and obstructions that could delay your payment.
Complications That Could Delay Your Settlement
There are complications during the claims process that could require additional time to resolve:
- Severity of Your Injuries:Catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and internal injuries, will require more medical care, which will increase medical expenses.
- Recovery From Your Injuries: The time it takes you to recover or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) will also affect medical expenses; insurers will challenge any increases in the settlement amount.
- Questions Regarding Liability: If there is any question as to fault ordegree of fault, insurers will challenge settlement values.
- Case Complexity: Car accidents that involve multiple parties, such astruck accidents, will require additional time to determine fault, review insurance coverage, and negotiate fair settlements.
- Insurance Company: If the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate, this could prompt you to take your case to court to receive a fair settlement.
If your case goes to court, the legal process will also add time.
Florida Car Accident Settlement Timeline
In the best-case scenario, you are looking at the following range of time for each phase of a car accident settlement in Florida:
- Investigation: one to three months
- Negotiation: one to six months
- Agreement: one to four weeks
- Processing: one to six weeks
- Disbursement: one to three weeks
And of course, complications can add time during any of these phases.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations
There is a limit to how long you have to settle your car accident claim. UnderFlorida law, you typically have two years from the accident to file a lawsuit. So, while many things can delay your settlement, you must take legal action, or you will lose the opportunity to secure fair compensation. If the deadline to file a lawsuit passes, and you lose the right to sue, the insurance companies will be unwilling to negotiate any further.
Contacting aFlorida personal injury lawyer as soon as possible, though, could ensure your lawsuit is filed on time, protecting your rights. They can manage your claim, secure evidence before it is lost or destroyed, and seek maximum compensation for you while you recover.
Car Accident Compensation in Florida
When you initially file your PIP claim, 80% of your medical bills, 60% of your lost wages, and $5,000 of death benefits are covered by your policy up to the policy limits.
However, if your injuries meet theserious injury threshold, you could step outside the limitations of PIP coverage to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. Through a lawsuit, you could claim compensation for such damages as:
- Pain and suffering
- Complete medical coverage
- Reduced earning potential
An attorney can investigate your accident and determine your full range of losses.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Today!
If you have been in a car accident in Florida and have questions regarding your Florida injury settlement payout or how long it will take to get it, we provide free case consultations. Our legal team can listen to what happened and explain your legal options and the timetable you could be facing. Contact us today!
Call us at (844) 643-7200 to get started.