The length of time needed to settle a car accident case will vary depending on several factors. If you were involved in a minor accident where the fault is easily established, you could recover compensation within a few short months. However, with larger cases where the fault is disputed, it can easily take years to secure compensation from the liable party.
When pursuing damages after a car accident, you need an experienced Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer by your side who can help get you the full amount to which you are entitled as quickly as possible. Your lawyer will handle every step of the claims process and put you in the best position to get the money you need in a timely manner.
The Seriousness of Your Accident and the Injuries You Suffered Is One of the Leading Factors in Determining the Timeline for Settling
The severity of the injuries you incurred as a result of your accident is one of the primary factors that will influence the length of time it takes to settle your car accident claim. Cases involving serious injuries tend to take longer on average. However, several other factors can come into play and affect your timeline including your eligibility for filing a personal injury lawsuit.
The Insurance Company’s Willingness to Settle
Florida is a no-fault insurance state, which means that anyone injured in a car accident in the state must first pursue compensation from their own insurer after an accident. Even if you were a pedestrian at the time of the incident, your car insurance policy should apply. However, if you suffered severe injuries, you may have the option of pursuing damages from the liable party.
Even when dealing with a minor accident, you may find that your insurer is pushing to minimize your claim. While you can always expect an insurance battle from another party’s insurer with serious accidents, with minor accidents, your insurer will sometimes be willing to agree to a fair settlement more quickly.
Whether an insurer is likely to settle your claim will depend on several factors, including their internal policies, the strength of the evidence supporting your claim, and your lawyer’s reputation.
The Medical Expenses You Incur
Another factor that will play a significant role in whether or not your case is resolved quickly is the clarity of your injuries and the surrounding medical expenses. If the full extent of your injuries takes time to become apparent, it can take time to figure out the full cost of your medical treatment, delaying your settlement.
The Chances Your Case Will Go to Trial
The higher the chances of your case going to court, the longer it will take to reach a settlement deal. When there are questions surrounding the extent of the injuries you incurred or questions about who was at fault for the car accident, the chance of your case going to court increases substantially.
Going to Court Will Take Significantly Longer Than Settling Out of Court
If you were involved in a serious accident and are pursuing compensatory damages through a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party, you need to understand that your case will likely still conclude in a settlement. Settling is typically in the best interests of everyone involved, in part because it offers a much quicker resolution.
In addition to getting you money quickly, settling also helps you maintain some control over the outcome of your case, rather than leaving it up to an unpredictable jury to decide your fate. If your case does end up going to court, you will have to wait significantly longer to recover the money you need and deserve.
It’s important to note that even cases that go to trial are often resolved through settlements during the trial process rather than letting the court make the final call.
Securing the Services of an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Can Significantly Reduce the Time It Takes to Settle Your Case
One of the best things you can do to reduce the time it takes to settle your case is to hire an experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer. Once you have legal representation, the insurance company will likely stop attempting to trick you out of the money you deserve, as your attorney is going to be familiar with their usual tactics.
Hiring an experienced attorney will force the insurer to play fair and negotiate a settlement deal that is in line with your actual damages. Without an attorney, the insurer will likely offer you a lowball settlement deal that doesn’t come close to meeting your financial needs and will likely attempt several stalling tactics to try and wear you out so you’ll accept their offer.
No Two Car Accident Cases Are the Same
When attempting to recover compensation after an accident, you need to keep in mind that every car accident case is unique. With a variety of factors that can potentially affect your timeline for settling, it is impossible to accurately predict how long your case will take from the start.
At the Winston Law Firm, we will be with you every step of the way and will work to help ensure you recover the money you need from the liable party. We’ll work to get you the full value of your claim as quickly as possible. Schedule your free case review today, and feel free to check out our client testimonials to better understand the type of service we provide to our clients.
