When you have been injured in a car accident, the financial strain can be overwhelming. It’s natural to want to resolve your claim and secure the compensation you need as quickly as possible. However, the timeline for settling a car accident case can vary widely.
While some claims may be settled in a matter of weeks, others can take months or even years. The process may take time, but it is important to fight for the full compensation that you deserve—accepting an inadequate settlement offer will lead to future hardships.
The Average Car Accident Settlement Process
After a car accident, the settlement process typically begins when you hire an attorney to help you file a claim with the insurance company. Your car accident lawyer in Kansas City will want you to first reach maximum medical improvement; while you are healing, they will gather as much evidence about the accident and your injuries as possible. Your attorney will then send a demand letter to the insurance company outlining your damages and requested compensation.
The insurance company will investigate your claim, which typically includes reviewing police reports, medical records, and witness statements. They may offer an initial settlement, which is often lower than what you actually deserve. Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement amount.
If negotiations stall, your attorney may recommend filing a personal injury lawsuit. Even after filing, negotiations can continue, and many cases are settled before reaching trial.
Factors That Can Affect Your Settlement Timeline
Some car accident claims settle quickly, while others can take a much longer time to resolve. Various factors can affect how long it takes to settle your case:
- Severity of Your Injuries: More serious injuries require longer treatment periods, higher amounts of damages, and more extensive medical evidence. Insurers are also more likely to fight against cases that involve very high settlements.
- Disputed Liability: When the other party claims that they were not at fault for the accident, additional investigation and evidence gathering are required to identify who was responsible.
- Case Complexity: Accidents involving multiple vehicles or commercial entities typically involve more complex legal procedures and longer timelines.
- Insurance Company Tactics: Some insurance providers delay claims to pressure injured parties into accepting lower settlements.
Balancing Quick Settlements versus Fair Compensation
When medical bills pile up, accepting a quick settlement may be extremely appealing. However, rushing the process often results in inadequate compensation. Insurance companies often count on you to accept early, low offers that don’t fully account for your long-term needs.
Once you accept a settlement, you cannot reopen your claim if your condition worsens or additional expenses arise. This can lead to significant hardships in the future. In these situations, it is important to follow the advice of your personal injury attorney. They will carefully assess any offers that you receive to determine whether they are adequate and aggressively negotiate for higher settlements if necessary.
Contact Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe Today
Every car accident claim follows its own timeline, and yours deserves personalized attention. Dollar, Burns, Becker, and Hershewe can provide a realistic assessment of your claim’s duration. We know when to aggressively pursue a better settlement offer and will not rest until you secure full and fair compensation. Contact us at (816) 876-2600 for a free consultation and discuss your case’s timeline with our Kansas City car accident attorneys.