How Long Does a Car Accident Case Take to Resolve?
There’s no standard timeframe for settling car accident cases. They could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to resolve. The duration of your claim or lawsuit depends on many factors unique to your case. The evidence to support your collision case plays a key role.
There are many things to keep in mind after filing a personal injury claim or lawsuit––all of which our car accident lawyer can explain. To learn more about your case’s timeline and how our team can move it along, dial (954) 633-8270.
How Long It Takes To Settle Your Car Accident Case Depends on Your Circumstances
Your car accident case’s progression generally depends on:
Your Supporting Evidence
As noted, your case’s evidence plays an instrumental role in its progression. The more information you have to support your case, the more likely the insurer could be to settle. Evidence that could bolster your case includes:
- The accident report
- Eyewitness testimony
- Information from field consultants
- Cost-related documentation, such as receipts and bills
- Photos and videos of the accident scene
- Medical documentation, such as x-rays and other imaging scan results
- Your insurance details
You should keep everything related to your collision in its aftermath. Even the smallest piece of information could support a fair outcome.
The Insurance Company Itself
Some insurance companies are more willing to settle claims than others. The processes an insurance company has in place (along with its representatives’ cooperation) affect how long it takes to recover damages.
Most insurance companies must investigate a claim within 30 days of its submission. Taking longer than that could point to bad faith insurance practices––all of which our team can protect you from.
Your Recovery Period
You don’t want to settle your case until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. After all, there’s no way to understand what treatment you need until your doctor clears you. If you settle your case before you fully heal, the insurer wouldn’t be liable for any outstanding expenses. This would leave you responsible for any remaining out-of-pocket costs, possibly jeopardizing your financial stability.
The Cost of Your Damages
Some insurance companies don’t think twice about paying three- or four-figure settlements. In the grand scheme of things, these settlements barely affect their bottom lines and aren’t worth fighting over.
Yet, matters change the higher settlement requests get. If you’re requesting a sizeable amount from the liable party’s insurer, it may do everything possible to delay your case, hoping you’ll drop the matter and move on.
That’s when partnering with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer could benefit you. They can negotiate with the insurer for the full sum you’re requesting, working toward a fair resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions About Settling a Car Accident Case
“How long does it take to settle a car accident case?” could just be one of your many questions. You may also ask:
What Could My Settlement Cover?
Your settlement could offer reimbursement for:
- Healthcare expenses
- Lost income
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Property damage expenses
- Temporary transportation costs
- Childcare services
- Pain and suffering and inconvenience
- Disability
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Any injury-related out-of-pocket expense
You could have the right to file a wrongful death case under Florida Statutes § 768.21. In that instance, you could seek compensation for funeral services, end-of-life care costs, and other related losses.
How Long Do I Have To File a Car Accident Case?
The liable party’s insurer will have its own deadline for accepting your car accident claim. Many insurers ask that you notify them within 30 days of an accident. If you want to file a lawsuit, things change.
Under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), you could have four years to file your lawsuit. Still, even with this generous timeframe, you should consider your legal options as soon as possible. Initiating prompt legal action could prevent the insurer from contesting your claim.
How Much Can I Get Through My Car Accident Settlement?
How much you can recover (along with your case’s progression) depends on your situation. Your compensable damages typically depend on:
- The severity of your condition
- Your financial losses
- The extent of your property damage
- The insurance policy
- Your estimated recovery period
- Your missed time from work
- Whether your condition permanently affects your daily life
Our injury firm can evaluate your situation and put a price tag on your accident-related losses, including pain and suffering. Then, we can file your claim and seek compensation.
Start a Free Car Accident Case Review With the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato
More than 20 years ago, we opened our doors with one goal in mind: serving injured people. We know you want compensation as soon as possible, and we will do everything in our power to help you seek it at Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato. Contact us to learn about your options in a free, no-obligation consultation, call (954) 633-8270.
