If you’ve been in a car accident, you may wonder how long it will take to have that settlement check in your hands. You have medical bills to pay, and maybe you’ve had to take time off work to recover, so you’d like to cash your check as soon as possible.
So, how long does a car accident settlement take? Below, learn about the typical duration of accident settlements from a car accident lawyer in Charlotte.
Settling Car Accident Claims Timeframe
The average time for claim resolutions can be from a few months to several years. Simple cases usually resolve fairly quickly, but if your case is very complicated, you might wait a long time for that settlement check.
Factors Affecting the Timing of Auto Accident Settlements
No two accident cases are alike, so it’s impossible to say with certainty how long your settlement will take. The factors described below can play a big role in settlement speed.
Your Damages
If your car accident involved some minor damage to your car and a few bumps and bruises for you, your case will probably resolve sooner rather than later. But if your accident was so serious that you’ve become disabled or can no longer work, it can take some time to tally up the value of your damages. Ride share accidents involve unique legal considerations. Understand your rights and the steps to take after an Uber accident from our skilled lawyer.
Your lawyer will need to assign a value to:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages and loss of earning potential
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
Your Medical Treatment Records
You must see a doctor as soon as possible after the accident. Without your treatment records and bills, your lawyer can’t assign a value to your damages.
When you meet with your lawyer, provide them with all accident-related medical documentation. This includes bills for emergency care, follow-up visits, surgery, medication, and physical therapy.
Issues With Proving Liability
Sometimes, knowing which party was at fault in an accident is easy. Other times, liability isn’t so obvious. If there’s any doubt about who caused the accident, that can add a few months to the settlement process.
The Accident Involved Multiple Parties
How long does a car accident settlement take if the crash involved multiple drivers? Such cases almost always take longer than simple ones involving just two vehicles. There may be some confusion about whose insurance company you should file a claim with. Determining liability can take more time, as well.
If your accident involved several drivers, expect them to fight tooth and nail to prove the crash wasn’t their fault. North Carolina is a pure contributory negligence state, which means a driver can’t recover damages if they’re even 1% at fault.
Insurance Negotiations
Many people accept the first settlement offer from the insurance company because they just want the process to be over. However, the first settlement offer is rarely enough to cover all of your damages.
If the insurance company offers a low settlement, your lawyer will probably advise you to negotiate for more. This back-and-forth can continue for months until the insurance company offers a settlement you’re happy with.
Sometimes, the insurance company will refuse to negotiate. Your lawyer can take the case to court if you don’t want to take their final settlement offer. A trial can drag on for months or, in some cases, over a year.
Complications
Several complications can tie up the settlement process for quite a long time. These include the following:
- The accident involved a semi-truck. This complicates matters because you might need to make a claim against the driver’s employer. Trucking companies have access to teams of lawyers who will fight aggressively to prove they’re not liable for the accident.
- The accident involved a wrongful death. Calculating damages such as funeral costs, the deceased’s final medical bills, and loss of companionship can take a long time.
- You haven’t yet reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) or don’t know how long it will take to recover. This is problematic because you might need more future care than you think. Once you’ve signed a settlement offer, you can’t ask for more money later.
Learn More About the Legal Process for Injury Compensation
How long does a car accident settlement take in Charlotte? It depends. If your case is simple, the process could be over in a few months. If not, you could end up waiting for that check for a year or more.
Want to learn more about the car crash compensation timeline? Call Yale Haymond Law PLLC at (704) 800-HELP for a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer.
