Why is my Car Accident Settlement Taking so Long

Suppose you were involved in a fatal accident that resulted in an injury or car damage. You’re entitled to a settlement if the accident wasn’t your fault.

However, for those who don’t know what to do if you’re involved in a car accident that is not your fault – you should contact your lawyer and file for a settlement.

The settlement process might seem simple because you might know the amount you’ll get from the case, but they usually take longer to resolve.

There are several reasons why a car accident settlement may take a long time to be resolved. The complexity of the case, disagreement over damages, insurance company, reaching medical estimates, crash investigation, Delay tactics by the defendant, a dispute over liability, and legal proceedings also contribute to why your car accident settlement is taking too long.

This article answers the “Why is my Car Accident Settlement taking so long” question and provides ways to speed up the process.

Why is my Car Accident Settlement taking so long?

You’re not alone if you’ve recently been involved in a car accident and are wondering why your settlement is taking so long.

Many people find the process of obtaining a settlement after an accident to be confusing and frustrating, and it can be challenging if you’re dealing with injuries or other damages due to the accident.

Here is a list of potential reasons why your accident settlement is taking too long and the details involved.

The complexity of the case
Disagreement over liability
Disagreement over damages
Defense tactics
Insurance company delays
Legal proceedings
Settlement Payout takes time
Availability of eyewitness
Personal Injuries
The workload of the Insurance Company

Let’s see how the above factors can affect your accident settlement.

1. The complexity of the case

Car accident settlements might take shorter or longer to resolve, depending on how complex the case is.

For instance, if the accident involves multiple parties and causes various damages and injuries, it’ll take longer to determine the full extent of the damages and reach a settlement agreement.

2. Disagreement over liability

Disagreement over liability refers to a situation in which the parties involved in a car accident cannot agree on who was at fault for the accident.

Disagreement over who was at fault can significantly complicate the investigation and negotiation process and extend the time it takes to settle.

In cases where there is disagreement over liability, insurance companies may need to gather additional evidence and witness testimony to determine who was at fault

3. Disagreement over damages

Disagreement over damages refers to a situation in which the parties involved in a car accident cannot agree on the number of injuries that should be paid due to the accident.

This can further complicate the accident settlement process and extend the settlement reach time.

In cases of disagreement over damages, insurance companies may need to gather information such as medical records, repair estimates, and documentation of lost wages or other damage records.

4. Delay Tactics by the other party

A guilty party commonly employs this tactic, especially when the accident settlement is quite a considerable sum.

They’ll try to delay the case’s outcome, postpone deadlines, etc. All in a bid to make the plaintiff give up on the subject.

Experienced lawyers know when these techniques are applied and how to respond accordingly.

5. Insurance company delays

Insurance companies may delay the settlement process to reduce the amount they must pay.

They may try to negotiate a lower settlement amount or dispute a claim’s validity.

6. Legal Proceedings

If the parties involved in the accident cannot reach a settlement agreement, the case may need to go to court.

This can significantly extend the time it takes to resolve the case, as the legal process can be lengthy and time-consuming.

7. Settlement Payout time

Even after a settlement has been reached, the guilty party must send a check to your lawyer, who will disburse it as necessary.

Also, some part of the settlement will be used to sort out other necessary payments such as unpaid medical bills, insurance fees, payment to any previous lawyer on the case, child support fees, and your lawyer’s charge.

This will increase the accident settlement timeliness.

8. Personal Injuries

Suppose you sustained personal injuries due to the accident. In that case, it may take longer to resolve your settlement if your injuries are severe or if you need ongoing medical treatment.

In these cases, waiting until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) may be necessary before determining the full extent of your damages and negotiating a settlement.

9. The workload of the insurance company

Insurance companies handle large claims, and it may take time to review and process each claim.

Additionally, insurance companies may prioritize specific claims over others, which could also contribute to delays.

If you feel that your claim is being unnecessarily delayed, it may be helpful to speak with a lawyer.

How to Curb Car Accident Settlement Delays

If you’re frustrated by the time it’s taking to resolve your car accident settlement, you can do a few things to help the process move along more quickly.

1. Keep all necessary documents

It would be best if you kept all documentation that’ll aid in boosting your claims readily available; documents such as police reports, medical records, and estimates for repair or replacement of any damaged part/property will help streamline the claim process.

2. Keep in contact with your insurance company and Attorney

Keep your insurance company or Attorney updated on any new developments or changes in your case.

This will help keep your case on track and prevent delays.

3. Exercise Patience

While you want your settlement to be completed instantly, it’s also vital that you exercise Patience and understanding where necessary.

But do not hesitate to boost things up if you find an opportunity.

4. Change Attorney

If the current attorney handling case is dragging legs on it, you can drop them and hire a more vibrant one to pursue the case.

5. Take Alternative Dispute Resolution

If the settlement process isn’t reaching an agreement after a long time using traditional negotiation and mediation, you can use alternative dispute resolution means.

Resolution methods such as arbitration and litigation will help you reach an agreement, although it might also be time-consuming.

While waiting for your car accident settlement to be resolved can be frustrating, it’s essential to be patient and work with your insurance company and Attorney to ensure your case is handled correctly.

FAQs

How long do most car accident settlements take?

Car settlements usually take weeks to months, depending on the case’s complexity. The time frame is also affected by various factors such as disagreement over damages, insurance company, reaching maximum medical improvements, crash investigation, Delay tactics by the defendant, dispute over liability, legal proceedings, etc.

Why does it take so long to get a settlement?

Accident settlement usually takes longer to resolve because of a lack of eyewitnesses or documents, a longer time to reach maximum medical improvement, and the case’s complexity.

Conclusion

If you’re concerned about the length of time it’s taking to resolve your case, it’s a good idea to discuss your concerns with your attorney or insurance company.

They can provide more information on the specific factors affecting your settlement’s timeline and help you understand what you can expect going forward.

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