Car Accident Case Settlement Time and What to Expect

An auto accident can be a life-altering traumatic event for all parties involved. Settling a car crash claim can be complicated and time-consuming, especially if you decide to go it alone, with no legal representation. The length of time it can take to settle an auto accident claim can vary, depending on many factors, such as the severity of the accident victim’s injuries, the number of parties involved, and the insurance company’s willingness to negotiate. All of these factors can make it difficult to determine exactly when you can expect your case to be settled. Unfortunately, while some cases can settle in a matter of a few months, other cases may take several years.

What is the Auto Accident Claims Process?

The following are the typical steps a driver will take when filing an auto accident claim and what they can anticipate from the process:

Notifying the Insurance Companies

You should notify your insurance company that you were involved in an auto accident as soon as possible. Most insurance companies will require their policyholders to notify them of an accident within 48-72 hours.

Next, you must notify the other driver’s insurance company of the accident and file a claim. Once the claim has been filed, the insurance company will have fifteen days to issue a response that acknowledges the claim. Their claims adjuster will inform you once they begin an accident investigation.

Settlement Negotiations

Once you have provided documentation of your accident-related damages, the insurance company has forty days to deny or accept the claim. They may request an extension of thirty days if they need more time to investigate.

In some cases, the insurance company will drag its feet, pressuring the accident victim to accept a low settlement offer. An aggressive claims adjuster may contact the accident victim several times a day hoping the accident victim will accept the money and go away. This can be very overwhelming for the accident victim, especially if they suffered severe injuries.

What Can Impact the Timeline of a Claim?

Many factors can influence the claims settlement process, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• The complexity of the case
• How willing the insurance company is to settle

Should I Hire a Car Accident Lawyer?

While you’re not required to hire a car accident lawyer to file a claim, doing so can be beneficial in several ways. A car accident lawyer can handle every aspect of your case, including filing a claim, assessing damages, and negotiating with the claims adjuster. During this challenging time, while you focus on your recovery, a car accident attorney will work tirelessly to ensure you recover every penny of compensation you’re owed.

Contact Us Today 

If you were involved in an auto accident that was caused by a negligent motorist, contact the auto accident lawyers at MVP Accident Attorneys today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Our accident attorneys have extensive experience handling complex auto accident claims and know how to build a strong case that can help you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.