Why Is Your Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long?

Car accident settlements can vary depending on the circumstances of the collision. The more severe the crash and the resulting injuries, the longer agreeing on a settlement will likely take. Whether the car insurance company accepts that its driver was at fault can also affect how long it takes to resolve your collision insurance claim.

How Long Does It Take to Reach a Settlement?

Some claims take longer to conclude. In part, that could result from investigating what amount of compensation is adequate. Factors to consider could include:

• The nature and severity of injuries: The more severe the injuries, the longer it will take to complete your medical treatment and learn whether your medical costs will be ongoing.
• The number of parties involved: When more than two parties are at fault for the collision, more insurance companies will be affected. The insurance companies will likely attempt to shift blame or minimize the portion of blame assigned to their insured. Reaching the truth about liability could be time-consuming.
• The total value of the claim: The higher the financial stakes, the longer the settlement process can take because more negotiation will be involved. A settlement may not cover all your accident-related injuries and losses if the policy limits are insufficient. If you cannot reach a settlement agreement for this reason, you and your attorney may opt to go to trial to pursue complete compensation.
• Negotiating with the insurance company: Negotiating with an insurance adjuster can take time because they are attempting to save their company money. As a result, insurance adjusters will often make low offers, and your attorney will need to negotiate with the company to get you the compensation you deserve. It is not uncommon for settlement negotiations with insurance companies to take several weeks or months.
• Litigation: If you cannot reach a settlement agreement with the insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit which will cause the process of receiving compensation to be extended. If your case goes to trial, it can take months or years to get through mediation and trial for a resolution of your case.

While it is understandable that you want your compensation as soon as possible, rushing a claim may not be the best option. To conclude your claim in a hurry could minimize your attorney’s time to investigate and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.

What You Can Do to Speed Up the Settlement Process

Several factors could delay your settlement, but you could speed up the settlement process by:

• Providing necessary documents promptly: To determine the compensation you deserve, your attorney needs all the documents related to your injuries and accident-related losses so they can draft a successful demand letter. Get the documentation to your lawyer promptly. Additionally, the insurance company will want certain documents to process your claim. Failing to provide the necessary documents will cause the settlement process to take longer.
• Keep records of everything: To establish the extent of your injuries, you will want to keep track of all your appointments, missed days of work, and expenses related to the collision. Keep all the paperwork you receive from any appointment, prescription, or estimate.
• Stay in communication with your attorney: The more you communicate with your attorney, the better your settlement process will go. For example, if your attorney requests documents from you or asks how you would like to proceed, it is important to respond. Failing to do so will cause the settlement process to take longer.

What Will a Car Accident Settlement Cover?

The purpose of a settlement agreement is to cover your injuries and losses due from a collision caused by someone else’s wrongdoing. Typically, a settlement agreement may include compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Mental anguish
• Pain and suffering

Working to obtain the compensation you deserve is the number one priority of an experienced personal injury attorney.

Contact an Experienced Attorney

If you were injured in a car accident that wasn’t your fault and reaching a settlement is taking a long time, consulting an experienced personal injury attorney can move the process forward. The Augusta car accident attorneys of Chris Hudson Law Group are skilled and knowledgeable in dealing with insurance adjusters and getting settlements for our clients who were injured in car accidents through no fault of their own. Contact us today at (706) 690-4613 to discuss your legal options, or reach out to us through our online form.