When you file a personal injury claim you probably begin to wonder how long before you receive the compensation you so desperately need to be made whole again. Unfortunately, there is a range of factors that determine how long it may take to settle your claim and this can mean a lengthy wait to get the compensation you need and deserve.
To help you understand the process, we have put together some information that victims need to know about the process, any time limits involved, what they can do to build their case and maximize the chances of success, and what to do while they wait for their case to be settled.
Things to Know Immediately After Your Accident
Here are a few things to know about what happens immediately after your accident and how you can speed up your case.
- The time limit to file your case begins the moment your accident takes place
- Your injuries have to be documented immediately and may worsen before they get better
- You must build a solid case before the settlement process can truly begin
- Retaining legal counsel early can save you time and headache
- You should not deal with the insurance company yourself or talk about your case as this can cause complications
- You may have options to get some compensation before your case settles.
Every action you take from the moment your accident occurs can impact the time it takes to settle your case. It’s important to act quickly but to be thorough and document everything in the process. The stronger a case you build, the less time it will generally take to settle.
Factors That Impact Your Settlement
There are three things that can impact how fast your case reaches a settlement.
The Facts Are Unclear
The more cut and dry the facts of your case are, the easier it is to reach a fair and equitable settlement for your injuries. However, if the facts are less clear, there is reason to question who is at fault, or there are multiple parties involved, this can delay the settlement process for an extended period of time while all sides try to determine the facts.
There is a Lot of Money At Stake
Any time there is a significant amount of money at stake, you can expect the opposing side to fight as hard as possible to deny your claim or limit your settlement amount. For this reason, the more money you are owed for your injuries, the longer it can take to settle.
Your Injuries Are Still Getting Worse/The Full Extent of Your Injuries is Unknown
One last thing that can impact how long it takes to settle is if you’re still in the main phase of your recovery. What this means for your case is that the full cost of your injuries is not yet known and until that information is evident to all parties involved, it can make it that much more difficult to settle your case.
What Can You Do in the Meantime?
Though not always an option, it is sometimes possible to file a claim with your personal insurance to help cover medical bills and other expenses resulting from your injury as part of a personal injury protection policy. This can help to alleviate some of the burdens while your case is in progress.
One thing every personal injury attorney will tell you not to do is settle early. Any offer to settle early will result in a settlement that is a fraction of what the case is actually worth, which would leave you spying out of pocket for the majority of your expenses with no option to get more compensation later.
MR. Civil Justice Can Help With Your Case
If you’ve recently been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, then you need legal experience on your side to help you get the compensation you deserve. The sooner you hire legal representation, the faster you can research a settlement worthy of your case. Don’t hesitate, to contact us today!