Being involved in a car accident can be a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. One of the biggest concerns following an accident is the settlement of any claims regarding damages, medical expenses, and other losses incurred.
According to onthemap.com, cases of motor vehicle accidents last an average of 20 months.
Understanding how long it will take to settle your car accident claim will help you manage your expectations and plan for financial stability, medical treatment, and other necessary arrangements.
Knowing how long an insurance company has to investigate a claim can help you estimate the duration of your car accident claim.
The time it takes to settle a claim varies by case and depends on factors such as complexity and the involvement of multiple insurance companies.
In this article, you will learn the factors that can influence the length of your car accident claim.
Factors That Affect Claim Settlement Time
Cases involving contested liability or those resulting in severe injuries will require a significant amount of time to resolve.
Evidence collection, such as police reports and medical records, may slow things down. The settlement time of your claim can also be affected by how fast you sought medical attention. A delay in medical assistance can postpone negotiations and result in a longer time for resolution.
Even with strong proof, insurance companies may take time to consider claims, especially in cases where they suspect dishonesty by the claimant or require further documents. Demonstrating willingness and cooperation in negotiation and settlement can expedite the process.
According to Hickory, NC personal injury lawyer Lyndon R. Helton, staying organized and being proactive can make the entire process go more smoothly and quickly.
Understanding the Claims Process
Car accident victims should understand the claims process since it greatly affects their chances of receiving fair compensation.
Collect all evidence, such as medical examinations and photos of the accident scene.
Notify the insurance company about the accident. Provide information regarding the events leading up to the accident. Your report will initiate the claim process. Your insurance company will inform you of the next steps, such as investigating what actually happened.
Submit a claim that details your losses, including medical bills and lost wages. After receiving your submission, your insurance company will evaluate and analyze it, which will take a considerable amount of time.
The Role of Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are invaluable in handling car accident claims. When you submit a claim, they will verify what happened by conducting an investigation and checking various documents and evidence.
The results of the insurance company’s investigation and analysis of the evidence will be used to negotiate your settlement.
Insurance companies are known to minimize their policy payouts. Prepare yourself for negotiating the settlement amount if the offer is far from adequate. Consult a skilled car accident lawyer to determine whether the offer is fair and accurately represents all of your losses.
Record all your communications with the insurance adjuster. Documenting your correspondence reduces the time it takes to settle your claim and receive payment.
Common Delays in Settlement
Waiting for medical records or treatment documents is common, as these documents require specific time frames for compliance. Insurance companies generally require thorough investigations, which may include reviewing accident reports or interviewing witnesses. Their investigation will extend the timeline of your claims.
If fault is disputed, negotiations can take a long time. The adjuster may take longer to settle with you if your injuries or damages are serious and a formal settlement process is required.
The insurance company may delay settlement if you have not yet completed treatment until you have reached maximum medical improvement.
Tips for Expediting Your Claim
Taking initiative in your actions will help accelerate the claims process after a car accident.
Inform your insurers and provide relevant details as fast as possible. Maintaining constant communication with your adjuster keeps your claim on track.
To deal with the complexities of claims, it is recommended that you hire an attorney who specializes in auto accidents. Their expertise and knowledge of car accident laws reduce unnecessary mistakes and delays that can cause further delays for the process.
