Car accidents can cause considerable damage and expenses, and for many, getting injury compensation or car accident settlement payouts as soon as possible is essential. Unfortunately, the process isn’t as streamlined as you might hope. You may have to wait some time before you can get a payout.
Keep reading to learn how long it takes to get a car accident settlement from the team here at The Lopez Law Group, Weslaco car accident injury lawyers. We’ll review how long it takes to reach each stage of the claims process in Car Accident Settlement Payouts. Keep in mind that most cases won’t reach all 5 stages.
Stage 1: Filing an Insurance Claim
The first place that most people will turn to get compensation or Car Accident Settlement Payouts following a car accident is an insurance provider. After an accident, you will have a limited amount of time in which to file a claim. This time will vary depending on the policy involved but will usually be under a year. You can figure out how long you have to file by talking to your insurance adjuster or a Weslaco personal injury lawyer. Remember that the things you say to your adjuster could hurt your claim.
Stage 2: Getting Insurance Coverage
After you file an insurance claim, the insurance company has 35 days to investigate your claim, make a judgment, and complete payment. However, in some cases, the insurance company may be able to request an extension to conduct further investigation. If your claim takes 60 days or longer, you can file a lawsuit against the insurance company for bad faith insurance practices.
Stage 3: Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you can’t file an insurance claim or the insurance company is denying your claim, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit with help from a Weslaco personal injury attorney in order to get car accident settlement payouts. Like with an insurance claim, you will have a limited amount of time in which to file an injury lawsuit. You will have two years from the point of your accident to file a suit for financial relief.
Stage 4: Getting a Personal Injury Settlement
After a personal injury lawsuit has been filed, your Weslaco personal injury lawyer will negotiate with the insurance company or at-fault party’s attorney on your behalf. This process can take a considerable amount of time. In many instances, you can expect to wait a year or even several years before getting financial relief.
Stage 5: Going to Trial
The vast majority of personal injury lawsuits are settled long before they reach a courtroom. However, some cases do go to trial. If your case goes to trial, you can expect things to take even longer. Getting personal injury compensation from a trial will usually take several years.
Common Pitfalls That Can Delay Your Settlement
Several common issues can cause delays in the Car Accident Settlement Payouts process. Being aware of these pitfalls can help you and your attorney take proactive steps to avoid them:
- Incomplete Documentation: Providing all necessary documentation, including medical records, accident reports, and proof of expenses, is essential. Missing information can lead to delays in processing your claim.
- Disputes Over Liability: If there is a dispute over who is at fault for the accident, it can significantly extend the time it takes to reach a settlement. An experienced Weslaco car accident injury lawyer can help resolve these disputes more efficiently.
- Underestimating Future Costs: Failing to account for future medical expenses, lost wages, and other long-term impacts of your injuries can lead to delays as these costs need to be negotiated and documented.
- Lack of Communication: Effective communication between you, your lawyer, and the insurance company is crucial. Misunderstandings or lack of timely responses can cause unnecessary delays in getting Car Accident Settlement Payouts.
- Statutory Limits and Legal Deadlines: Missing deadlines for filing claims or lawsuits can jeopardize your case and delay the settlement process. Ensure you adhere to all legal timelines with the help of your attorney.
Get a Car Accident Settlement With Help From Weslaco Car Accident Injury Lawyers
As you can see, the process for getting car accident settlement payouts after a Weslaco car accident is complicated, and it can be difficult to know what steps to take. That’s why you shouldn’t go it alone. If you’ve been injured in a Weslaco car accident caused by someone else, get help from a Weslaco car accident injury lawyer to seek Car Accident Settlement Payouts.
Here at The Lopez Law Group, we’re dedicated to helping victims of personal injury accidents seek justice, and we would be proud to fight on your behalf for car accident compensation. Don’t face the insurance company on your own. Get help from a Weslaco car accident lawyer from The Lopez Law Group.
