Have you been involved in a car accident recently and are now anxiously awaiting your settlement? If so, you’re not alone. Many car accident victims find themselves frustrated and confused by the slow pace of the settlement process. After all, they often need financial relief for mounting medical bills, lost income, and other crash-related expenses. This blog post will explain some reasons for delays in car accident settlements and how having an experienced lawyer by your side can make a significant difference. If you want to settle your case swiftly, keep reading to learn more.
Delays by Insurance Companies
First, it’s essential to understand that insurance companies often have their best interests in mind, not yours. The delay in your settlement might be a strategic move by them to reduce the payout. Insurance adjusters are known to downplay the damages from a car accident, contest liability, or find reasons to deny claims. This is one of the many reasons why having a competent car accident lawyer is crucial. An attorney will be familiar with insurers’ tactics to deny or minimize claims and aggressively fight to help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Lengthy Investigations
Another common reason car accident settlements take so long is the thorough investigations that the police and attorneys must conduct. A comprehensive examination of the accident is necessary to determine what happened, who is liable, and the extent of injuries and property damage. Often, this can be time-consuming, involving gathering various types of evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts. The more parties involved in the accident, the longer the investigation can take.
Severe Injuries
The process becomes even more complicated when car accident victims suffer severe injuries. The full extent of losses, including future medical needs, must be clear before settling a car accident case. Rushing to a settlement before fully understanding the future costs of your injuries can lead to gross under-compensation. Once you settle your case, you cannot request more money, even if you incur additional losses such as costly medical treatments. Thus, taking the time to calculate the total value of your claim and consider the extent of your injuries is crucial to obtaining a fair settlement.
Negotiation Disputes
Disagreements in the negotiation process can also significantly prolong the settlement. Disputes over who is at fault or the degree of each party’s responsibility can stall negotiations. Should negotiations fail or the insurers offer a lowball settlement, your attorney might take your case to trial to seek the compensation you deserve. However, litigation is a lengthy process, and the back-and-forth can extend settlement timelines significantly, so most parties try to avoid going to court.
How Can a Lawyer Help During a Car Accident Settlement?
Now that you understand why delays often occur when settling car accident cases, you’re probably wondering how a car accident lawyer can help speed things up. An experienced accident lawyer can make a difference in your case by:
- Applying the law and countering insurance tactics – An experienced car accident lawyer is deeply familiar with the legal system, the laws that apply to your case, and issues that might arise. They are skilled at dealing with insurance companies and countering their tactics, reducing the likelihood of unnecessary delays.
- Calculating the total value of your claim – Insurance companies might undervalue your claim, but a lawyer knows how to calculate the full extent of your losses accurately, including future medical expenses and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
- Handling legal paperwork – A lawyer will know which deadlines apply to your case and ensure that all paperwork is filed correctly and promptly, thereby reducing the chance of delays due to filing errors or missed deadlines.
- Negotiating on your behalf – An experienced lawyer can push back against low settlement offers and fight for the compensation you deserve.
- Taking your case to trial – If your case ends up in court, you will want a lawyer to represent you at trial. An attorney will fight for your interests, present your case effectively, and strive to achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Lawyers Today
At The Bruner Law Firm, we understand how vital a quick and fair settlement is to our clients. Our legal team is here to help you navigate this complex process and pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and other crash-related losses. If your car accident settlement is taking longer than expected, don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at (850) 243-2222. Our experienced car accident attorneys can explain your legal options during a free consultation.
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