When you have suffered injuries in a car accident, all you may be able to think about is how soon you can get compensation to alleviate the mounting expenses you are facing. However, depending on a number of factors, you may not receive your car accident settlement right away. Whether you have filed an insurance claim against the other driver or are pursuing a personal injury claim, a Texas car accident lawyer can help you navigate the legalities and prepare you for what to expect in your case.
Farah Law can help you minimize the length of time it takes to resolve your case. Whether that means demanding better from the insurance company or ensuring you have sufficient evidence for your case, our team will work diligently on your behalf. We understand the stress caused by delays, and we make your case our priority and do not stop until we secure the results you need.
Reasons for Car Accident Settlement Delays
Car accident settlements can be delayed for a number of reasons, and each one can prolong your case and the burden you feel because of your expenses. The type of delay will depend on the specific circumstances in your case and what is required to resolve it. Some common causes for delay include.
Injury Severity
The severity of your injuries can affect the amount of time it takes to receive a settlement. Oftentimes, the full extent of your injuries may not be apparent right away, nor is it always clear how your body will respond to treatments. The longer your recovery and medical care take, the longer it can take to assess the value of your medical expenses in order to issue a settlement.
Case Complexity
The overall complexity of your case can also impact how long your case will take to resolve. If the cause or liability for the accident was not straightforward, or your case requires in-depth processes, then this can all add time to the claim process. If you have to go to court, proceedings and judge availability can significantly drag out your case.
Evidence Issues
There may be times when you do not have enough evidence, or the evidence you do have is weak. This requires extra effort and investigation to ensure that you have enough documentation and other forms of evidence to demonstrate the other party’s negligence. If you need a reconstructionist, this may also take additional time to complete.
Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are known to use various tactics to avoid paying you what you deserve so they can protect their bottom line. They may intentionally delay your claim, try to get you to accept a settlement before you know the extent of your injuries, provide a low first offer, or deny your claim based on a technicality. Without the help of a lawyer, you could receive considerably less than you deserve.
Liability Determinations
Liability must be determined in a case so that negligence can be established, and the at-fault party can provide compensation. However, it is not always clear who caused the accident. Multiple motorists could have caused the accident, you could have partially contributed to the accident, or multiple parties could be involved if an accident involves a commercial carrier.
Negotiation Process
Your lawyer can negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf with insurance companies or opposing counsel. The time it takes to negotiate a settlement can vary and affect the resolution of your case. Sometimes, negotiations break down, and you may have to go to court to receive a decision on the matter instead.
Means of Resolution
How your case is resolved can make a big impact on how long you have to wait to receive your settlement. Depending on your circumstances, your case could end up being resolved through negotiations, mediation, arbitration, or litigation. While each of these dispute resolution methods has its advantages and disadvantages, they can each have different implications for your case’s timeline
How to Avoid Delays in Receiving Your Car Accident Settlement
There are many ways to be proactive after a car accident that can help streamline the settlement process so you can be compensated faster. This not only ensures your case is as strong as it can be, but it also limits the tactics insurance companies may use against you. Some steps you can take to reduce the amount of time it takes to resolve your case include:
- Gather evidence. Collecting as much evidence after the accident is key to having a strong case. Take photos of the scene and your injuries if possible. File and request a copy of the police report. Also, be sure to keep all pay stubs, journals and records, findings, documentation, and expenses from your medical care, car repair estimates, lost income, and pain and suffering.
- Hire legal representation. Hiring a lawyer immediately is essential to ensure you receive maximum compensation and receive it in a timely manner. They can handle the insurance company on your behalf, as well as negotiations. They will help ensure you have a strong case and investigate the factors involved in the accident, and ensure you have enough evidence.
- Avoid mistakes. There are some mistakes that can be made after an accident that can make it harder to resolve your case quickly. As such, it is important not to issue an apology to the other driver, refuse medical care, fail to follow medical advice, or discuss your case openly or on social media. These mistakes may create additional steps in the justice process, and insurance companies are likely to also take advantage of these missteps.
Farah Law Helps You Get the Results You Need
Farah Law helps streamline the claim process to ensure you can receive your settlement as soon as possible. We help ensure you have the evidence and information you need to get the resources you need. We also ensure that you are treated fairly throughout the process. Schedule a free consultation with our team today to get started resolving your case.