How Long Do Car Accident Claims Take to Settle?

After you’ve been involved in an injury-inducing car accident, expenses start to pile up almost immediately. Accidents and the circumstances surrounding them may vary widely, but almost all accident victims share in their desire to settle their claim as quickly as possible. We deal with a large number of accident claimants on a regular basis, and one of the most common questions we get is, “How long will it take for my car accident claim to be settled?” 

There are numerous factors to be considered when estimating the length of time it takes to settle a claim, and we will discuss those below. However, the best resource for all potential claimants is an experienced car accident attorney, such as those from Van Law Firm. Call our office nearest you now for more information.  

Insurance Companies and Their Time Limits When Handling Accident Claims

One of the main reasons why it’s very difficult to gauge the length of a given claim is because insurance laws vary widely both by state and by the type of claim. Every time an insurer receives a claim, they must go through the process of investigating the damages involved and determining the amount of coverage to extend. This process will vary depending on a few factors, including the severity of a claimant’s injuries and property damage, the number of claimants, and the specific insurance policies of those involved. 

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For the most part, insurers usually have 30- to 60-day increments to receive, investigate, and pay claims. However, there are caveats all over the place, and your attorney can explain what does or does not apply to your specific situation. Generally speaking, a large percentage of car accident claims are settled within about 6 months from the date they are filed. Some of the more straightforward claims may be settled quicker, but there is also a chance that the legal process could continue for multiple years, especially if you have to file a lawsuit for whatever reason. 

Additional Factors That May Affect the Length of Your Car Accident Claim 

Some of the other aspects of car accidents that may impact the timeline of a car accident claim include: 

• Liability discrepancies: Sometimes disputes arise with regards to who is at fault for an accident. If both sides are refusing to concede liability, it can substantially lengthen any claim. 
• Injuries and treatment: Most claimants will undergo and complete all applicable medical treatments before compiling a settlement demand, in order to ensure that the demand accounts for the full extent of their damages. Severe injuries require lengthy treatments, which in turn creates a lengthy claim. 
• Attorney turnover: Claimants are free to change counsel at just about any time during the claim process so long as they give required notice. Anytime a claimant does decide to change attorneys, it will inevitably lengthen a claim. 
• Number of claimants involved: Simply put, the more claimants that are involved in a given accident, the longer it will take to resolve. More claimants means more injury treatments, property damage repairs, and so on. 

Need Help Settling Your Claim? Contact Van Law Firm Right Away

If you need help settling your car accident claim so that you can recover the compensation you deserve, look no further than Van Law Firm. Our diverse and award-winning team of car accident attorneys can review your claim and formulate the best possible plan of action for your particular claim. Don’t wait–call our office nearest you today to schedule a risk-free consultation and case review.