Because the circumstances of each vehicle accident are unique, an accident attorney elk grove ca cannot provide you a set timeline in which to receive an answer to this inquiry. This article will explain what factors determine the length of time it takes to settle a case and how a car accident lawyer may help speed up the process.
THE FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE TIME IT TAKES TO RESOLVE A CLAIM
The time it takes from the date of an accident to receiving a settlement cheque can range from weeks to months, or even years in extreme situations.
Car owners are obliged to have liability insurance coverage of at least $15,000.00 per person and $30,000.00 per accident. Of course, the majority of people have significantly more liability insurance.
While each case is unique, the following are some of the elements that influence how long a case may last:
Complexity of the case
A little fender bender or an accident with clear liability can be resolved considerably faster than a complex collision involving multiple culpable parties and ambiguous facts. Determining who is liable and by how much is one of the most difficult components of a claim at the outset.
The severity of the injuries
The extent of the injuries is one of the most important factors in determining the size of a settlement claim. For example, finding the proper compensation for a broken limb that heals quickly and has little to no influence on one’s quality of life is quite simple.
Assume, however, that the vehicle accident resulted in injuries that necessitate continuing medical attention or surgery. In that situation, the settlement procedure may take longer in order for you to seek the therapy you need and try to get better.
The settlement timeline may be extended even further if your injury has a life-changing catastrophic effect, you have wounded passengers, or there was a wrongful death involved.
However, in some circumstances involving serious injuries, your attorney may be able to conclude your case fast.
Testimony of witnesses
Witnesses who witnessed the accident might help a claim move ahead more swiftly. However, if there is inconsistent testimony or a complete lack of willing or able witnesses, the work of finding responsibility might be prolonged.
Evidence that is currently available
Insurance companies and lawyers will examine the evidence to decide who is at fault and what damages are owed. To confirm fault and assess the amount of your injuries, they may use police reports, medical records, expert testimony, forensic data, and other resources. A lack of proof, or evidence that appears inconsistent or speculative, could also cause a settlement to be delayed.
Insurance firms number five.
Insurance businesses are not all created equal. While some may work to have your claim handled as soon as possible, others may try to drag the process out as long as possible. Taking on an insurance company with a full team of lawyers on your own might be a daunting task.
Keep in mind that an insurance company’s main goal is to make money, and every dollar you, the accident victim, receive detracts from that profit. A vehicle accident lawyer’s job is to fight for maximum compensation for your claim and prompt payment.
Suits are number six.
If you and the insurance company can’t come to an agreement, the claim may have to be litigated in court. Despite the fact that these proceedings add significant time to the process, most vehicle accident court lawsuits are resolved in twelve to eighteen months.
WHAT TYPES OF COMPENSATION ARE AVAILABLE FOR CAR ACCIDENTS?
In Pennsylvania, car accident victims can seek compensation for the following:
– Suffering, pain, and discomfort (including stress, emotional trauma, loss of enjoyment, loss of consortium, etc.)
– Damages for scarring or deformities that will last a lifetime
– Punitive damages for humiliation and shame
– Injuries resulting from a temporary or permanent disability
— Wrongful Death Damages
– Wages or incomes lost in the past, present, and future
– Unpaid or overdue medical bills
HOW CAN A CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY ASSIST YOU WITH YOUR CLAIM?
Insurance firms are adept at limiting payouts to accident victims, and they may try to postpone payment of a settlement claim. Working with a vehicle accident lawyer can assist you in determining the value of your claim and possibly expedite the process.
In addition to managing evidence collecting and insurance company discussions, automobile accident lawyers guarantee that documentation is done on time, and they may alleviate a lot of worry as you recuperate from your injuries.
The matter may have to go to court if the insurance company denies or challenges your claim. A personal injury attorney can assist you in filing a lawsuit in civil court and representing your interests, albeit this can add several months to the process. Most automobile accident lawyers in Pennsylvania work on a contingency basis, which means you won’t have to pay anything until your case is satisfactorily resolved.
FIND OUT HOW LONG IT WILL TAKE FOR YOUR CAR ACCIDENT CASE TO BE RESOLVED.
A free consultation is available at Hal Waldman and Associates. Call us at (412) 850-3172 to talk about your accident, get an estimate of how much your claim is worth, and find out how long it will take to settle.
