How Long Do Car Accident Settlements Take?
- Car Accident Settlements Take Time–– Even in Ideal Circumstances
- Insurance Companies Do Not Always Play Fair––Making Settlements Take Longer
- It Is Always Better to Get a Fair Settlement Than a Quick One
- Herschensohn Law Can Help You Hold a Stalling Insurer Accountable
- Worried About Your Car Accident Settlement? Contact Herschensohn Law Today
Some car accident settlements take weeks, while others can take years. There are many factors that affect a case’s progression, with some completely out of an injured person’s control. That’s why, if you suffered a serious injury, you should consider partnering with a personal injury lawyer. They can deal with the insurance company and negotiate for a prompt settlement.
At Herschensohn Law, our attorneys can discuss your legal options following a car accident and determine a suitable strategy. When you want assistance with your car accident settlement, contact us at (206) 588-4344.
Car accident claims are complicated matters. Even when a case seems straightforward, problems can arise that hinder your ability to collect compensation.
While this can be frustrating, it is important to know that your car accident attorneys want to ensure that you secure optimal compensation. The financial recovery process may take a while, but a thorough investigation can be the difference between a fair settlement and a disappointing one.
Here are some factors that could prolong your car accident case’s progression:
Determining Fault
Determining who was responsible for your car accident is one of the most important and time-consuming aspects of your claim. While it may seem clear that the other driver is responsible for the accident and resulting injuries, the other driver and their insurance company may feel differently.
If the other party’s insurance company pushes back against your personal injury claim, then your lawyers will need to compile evidence to prove fault. They can do this by:
- Reviewing the police report
- Interviewing witnesses
- Watching video footage, if it is available
- Securing copies of your medical records
- Consulting with accident reconstruction specialists
- Speaking with law enforcement officials who responded to the accident scene
Even after your lawyers compile evidence, the insurance company may still offer a lower settlement than you deserve. When this happens, it is important that your attorneys understand your collision’s details, so you do not settle for less than you need.
Navigating the State’s Comparative Fault Laws
Even if you have a very straightforward claim on your hands, the liable insurance company may try to prove that you (or another party) are at least partially responsible for the accident that took place. But why is fault so important? Well, Washington operates on comparative fault rules, meaning fault can be divided amongst multiple parties in a car accident.
The insurer could allege that fault doesn’t lie with its policyholder. Rather, it lies with:
- A government agency that failed to keep a roadway safe
- A bar that overserved an already intoxicated motorist
- A parts manufacturer that released a defective vehicle
- Another motorist
- You
Even if the insurer knows that its policyholder caused the accident, it may try to slow down the claims process, hoping that you’ll drop the matter and seek damages elsewhere. This is where you could benefit from partnering with an injury lawyer. They can protect you from false allegations and handle all dealings with the insurance company.
More Severe Injuries Can Mean a Larger Settlement and Longer Process
Accidents with very minor injuries typically don’t take long to resolve. That’s because insurance companies don’t lose a lot of money by paying out these claims. Matters change when a case involves life-altering conditions. Then, insurers balk at the idea of fairly settling a claim or lawsuit.
Our team believes that if you suffered serious injuries in a car accident, you deserve full and fair compensation for each of your losses, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Financial damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage costs
Herschensohn Law has a reputation for advocating for injured people in Washington State. If the insurance company purposefully drags out your case, we can file a lawsuit based on bad faith insurance practices. We don’t have patience for insurers who don’t honor policies, and you shouldn’t, either.
Even if you have all the truth and evidence on your side, the insurance company may use tactics to bully you into accepting a smaller settlement than you deserve. If you deserve a significant amount of money, then it is in the best interest of the insurance company to slow down the process and try to get you to settle for less.
The insurance companies understand that you are in a tough spot. While they have millions and millions of dollars coming in each month in policyholder premiums, you may be stuck with little to no income and mounting debts. You want help as soon as possible, while they can afford to drag out the process until they get what they want.
Here are a few signs that you are not being treated fairly by an insurance company:
- You get multiple requests for documents (often several at a time) for information that is redundant or you have already provided.
- The insurer asks for medical records or other personal information that is irrelevant or intrusive.
- The insurance adjuster dodges your phone calls or emails.
- You get no explanation for why your claim was denied, or you get an insultingly low settlement offer.
If any of this happens in your case, assume that the insurance company isn’t operating in your best interest. You could benefit from having a car accident lawyer who can deal with the insurance company and fight for fair damages.
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
“Very knowledgeable and trustworthy. Zach Herschensohn provided me with excellent service. He kept me well informed and explained complicated issues in a way I could understand. He took the lead and guided me through everything necessary to achieve a successful outcome. Overall, I am very pleased with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.”
While it’s understandable to want compensation immediately, speed is not the most important element in the claims process. A lawyer’s job is to get what you deserve, and if the insurance company is being unreasonable, trying to settle early is the last thing you want to do.
Remember, once you settle, that is it. You give up your right to demand more compensation or file a personal injury lawsuit, even if it later turns out your long-term medical expenses are much higher than you anticipated.
Again, insurance companies count on injured people’s impatience and uncertainty. They want you to take their lowball offer and get out of their hair for good. That is why they stall. It is better to wait a bit longer to get a settlement check than to settle for less than you need.
Understand that after a car accident, insurance companies have time, resources, and knowledge on their side. You can seek damages on your own, but the process can be difficult, especially if you’re unsure of how the claims process itself works.
In a situation like this, we suggest hiring an experienced car accident lawyer who can prevent any unjust delays from stalling your case. Law firms have time and resources that match those of insurance companies. We can use every legal resource at our disposal to get you a settlement as quickly as possible.
A skilled personal injury attorney knows how to gather evidence, submit documents, and build a case quickly and efficiently. They can also explain how much your case is worth and handle the negotiation process on your behalf. This has many benefits for you, including less stress, more time spent focusing on your health, and an overall smoother road as you navigate your insurance claim.
We Work on a Contingency-Fee Basis
Many car accident claimants worry that they’ll have to spend money to get money. Between missing time from work and suffering from serious injuries, hiring a lawyer might seem just out of reach. Not with Herschensohn Law. We offer our legal insights and services on a contingency-fee basis.
In this arrangement, you pay nothing upfront or out of pocket for our team to break ground on your car accident case. When your case concludes, we take a portion of your settlement or court award as payment. We never ask that you pay money out of pocket.
Additionally, we offer free case reviews where, at no obligation, you can learn about the benefits of partnering with our car accident team. Time is of the essence in auto accident claims, so we encourage you to connect with us at your earliest convenience.
Worried About Your Car Accident Settlement? Contact Herschensohn Law Today
The personal injury attorneys at Herschensohn Law know the tactics insurance companies use to stall and pressure claimants after car accidents. That’s why we’ve dedicated our careers to protecting accident victims and holding liable parties accountable. We would love the opportunity to speak with you about your car accident and explain how our team can help.
When you want an answer to how long your car accident settlement could take, call us at (206) 588-4344.
Our results speak for themselves
After a worker was electrocuted on a construction site and suffered life-changing injuries, we fought and won on their behalf.
When a retired man was killed in a truck accident, we made sure his grieving family got fair compensation.
When a defective medical device harmed our client, we fought to ensure they had the financial compensation needed to recover.
Hurt? Let our law firm handle the details
When you request your free consultation, Kent personal injury attorney Zach Herschensohn will listen to you, answer your questions, lay out your legal options, and give you down-to-earth legal advice.
When you work with our law office, there are no obligations, hidden fees, or fine print. It’s that simple.
We’re proud to fight—and win—for injured people in Kent, Washington. View our case results to learn more.
References
The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as
legal advice on any subject.