Car Accident Settlements
When you decide to sue another party after sustaining injuries in a car accident, you may begin to wonder how long it will be before you reach a settlement. Each case is different, and your attorney can best help you determine a timeline. The following are some factors that might play a role.
Statute of Limitations
You have to decide to file a lawsuit before the timeline clock starts ticking. If you hire an attorney shortly after your accident, he or she can set out to collect evidence right away in order to make a strong case. You generally have two years in most states, so if you want a quicker settlement, file the lawsuit sooner. If you don’t mind waiting, take your time gathering evidence, but be sure you file before the statute runs out.
Legal Problems Regarding Your Case
There are some problems that could make a lawsuit drag out longer. For example, if liability hasn’t been solidly determined yet, it could take some time to determine fault. You can help this run more smoothly by gathering evidence at the scene. Pictures, witness statements, and the police report can put together a story for a judge to really see what happened.
Due Diligence
Insurance professionals and lawyers are typically great at doing their due diligence. It’s how cases are won, but it can make the case take a little longer than expected. Insurers and lawyers will want to inspect every piece of evidence you provide.
Ongoing Medical Issues
If you have ongoing medical issues that are a result of your accident, it could make the case last a little longer. Every injury would need to be validated, and some professionals won’t settle a case until every possible injury is known. This is often why insurance providers seek to settle quickly, but allowing it to go on for a longer period of time could be beneficial to you in the long run.
Accepting the Other Party’s Insurance Settlement
If you’re looking for a quick way out, you may consider accepting the other party’s insurance provider’s settlement, but you should never do so without consulting your attorney. In most cases, the offers are at the low end because insurers are trying to save as much as possible. Be sure you understand what a quick settlement means, and how much your attorney thinks you could gain by filing a lawsuit instead. You may be surprised at the difference.
Hiring an Attorney
When you’re in a car accident, hiring an attorney, to help you through the legal process is a smart move. Contact your attorney today to learn more.