Waiting for case settlement after a car accident is frustrating. It is a situation where you are dealing with the aftermath of an accident that causes stress, and a prolonged waiting time for the settlement increases it with added uncertainty.

Getting compensated for an accident can be crucial for many victims who have medical and vehicle repair bills to pay and even more for individuals unable to work due to their injuries. It is natural to wonder how long your car accident settlement will take.

Several factors can delay a settlement, including the case’s complexity and negotiations with insurance companies. It is also important to remember that a delayed settlement can sometimes play in your favor, as it can prevent the insurance company from closing the case until all your medical expenses are taken care of.

How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?

Generally, minor car accident insurance cases take one to three months to settle. Some cases take nearly a year or longer because of complexities or long-lasting or permanent injuries.

After you file a claim, the insurance company may take days or weeks to process it and investigate the incident. After investigation, they may accept or deny the claim. If they accept it, you will receive a settlement offer, which you can accept or reject.

Many people decline the initial offer because insurance providers are known to offer settlements below the claim’s actual value. They are always looking for ways to save money and close the claim quickly. It is good to consult a car accident lawyer Orange County before moving forward with an insurance settlement, as they specialize in such cases and can ensure you receive a fair settlement that covers all your damages.

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What Can Cause Delayed Settlements?

Various factors can lead to a settlement taking longer than expected. Here are some of the most common causes of delays:

  • The Severity of the Accident: Unfortunately, not all accidents are minor. Some are devastating. The more severe your injuries are, the longer the insurance company will take to investigate the incident. Since severe injuries require extensive and expensive medical treatment, the insurance company might want to know the total treatment cost before committing to a settlement offer. You should only accept a settlement after attaining your maximum medical improvement (MMI) to prevent unexpected bills after closing your claim.
  • The Investigation of the Accident: The more complex the case is, the longer the investigation could take. For instance, accidents involving more than two vehicles/parties or liability disputes are more complicated, taking cases longer than usual.
  • Lack of Evidence: Successfully negotiating a settlement agreement requires proving that another party caused the accident that resulted in your injuries or damages. Failing to collect evidence delays a settlement. Additionally, if you did not get medical attention immediately after the accident, it could hold up an agreement, as medical records are critical to the settlement process.
  • Insurance Provider Issues: Sometimes, even if you have agreed upon a settlement, it may take you a while to receive the funds. Insurance companies typically try to keep their profits high by offering as little as possible, which could lead to extensive negotiations. Even after an amount is decided, it may have to pass through different channels and reviews before an official submission.
  • Administrative Delays: Some delays are unforeseeable, such as an emergency that keeps you from negotiating with a party, a piece of missing information, or worse, your lawyer neglecting to sign your documents for days or weeks because they became caught up with other cases.

Conclusion

At A1 Accident Lawyer, every single case is a priority. We do not rest until justice is delivered. We provide you with a powerful injury lawyer Anaheim who has a deep understanding of California’s car accident laws and will ensure the protection of your rights. We thoroughly investigate a case, gather evidence, and establish a strong base for your insurance claim.

You have nothing to worry about with us. Our lawyers will negotiate on your behalf, challenge lowball settlement offers, and present evidence of damages. If the case goes to court, we will represent you and ensure you get what you deserve.

Also Read: What Does a Personal Injury Lawyer Do?