The National Safety Council forecasted 3,380 traffic fatalities for the period of January 2025. They also estimated 179 deaths to occur during the 2025 New Year’s Day.
After a car accident, how long does it take to settle a car accident claim in California? A California car accident lawyer says that the timeline varies depending on the degree of the injury, how complicated the case is, and the willingness of all parties to negotiate.
In this article, you will learn what factors influence the timeline of a car accident settlement and how a car accident lawyer can help you resolve your case.
Case Complexity
The duration of your car accident settlement depends on the complexity of cases. Parties involved, like drivers or pedestrians, or at times even companies, can make the process complicated.
Claims can involve different policies, liability claims, and settlement offers. Car accidents and insurance claims vary by state so it is important to familiarize yourself with these local policies.
Personal injury lawyer Carol Huffman Kendrick says that North Carolina law sets limits on the amount of time you can file a personal injury claim.
It is important that you immediately consult an experienced personal injury lawyer to file your claim within the statutory deadlines so that the collection of important evidence and witness interviews remain fresh.
Disputed liability happens when insurance companies contest the presented evidence, which would make the case more complicated. You need to collect evidence in the form of police reports, eyewitness statements and expert testimonies to support your claim.
Severity of Injuries
The timeline for your claim settlement can be directly affected by the degree of injuries you sustained after the car accident. Serious injuries like traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injuries normally take longer to settle.
An offer will be finalized only after the victim reaches maximum medical improvement. Maximum medical improvement indicates that the patient’s condition is stable and not expected to improve further.
Cases concerning less severe injuries settle faster compared to serious ones since the injury can be treated with simple medications and procedures. The more severe the injury, the more likely you will seek a larger settlement from the insurance company.
Insurance Company Negotiations
Consult with a car accident lawyer who is knowledgeable in these laws to legally guide and support you with your claims. Your lawyer will explain your rights and the value of your claim. This helps you make an informed decision regarding your claim.
Be assertive in negotiating and countering the first offer given to you by the insurance adjuster if you feel it is below what you really deserve. Keep in mind that insurance companies may try to minimize the worth of your claim.
Documentation and Evidence
Proper collection of evidence and documentation can strengthen your case and hasten the settlement.
Obtain police reports that can establish liability and provide additional information about the incident. You need to get your medical records detailing the injuries and the treatment. Keep copies of all your medical bills and receipts to show your medical expenses.
Take pictures of the accident site, vehicle damage, and any typical injuries you sustained. These photos can provide insight into how the accident occurred.
Keep a very detailed record of all communications with the insurance company and related parties. Prepare the documentation in advance in case of an out-of-court settlement.
Legal Representation
Having a legal expert by your side can provide you with a better understanding of personal injury cases. Personal injury lawyers can use their expertise to negotiate better and maximize your claims.
Your personal injury lawyer can act as your representative when negotiating with insurance companies. Your lawyer will remind you of important deadlines to avoid predatory tactics used by insurance companies to minimize payouts. A personal injury lawyer will allow you to focus on recovery by addressing all the legal aspects of your case.
