Every single accident is different and how much time it takes to get a settlement after an accident can vary based on a wide range of factors. For example, if your case goes to trial then it could take years for the case and another year to collect. Settlements, which involve you and the at-fault party agreeing on an amount outside of court, generally go much faster.
Keep reading to find out what can delay a settlement offer and how a personal injury attorney can help you determine the best way forward. If you are in need of a free legal consultation please contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 at your convenience.
Your Case Can Be Delayed if There are Legal and/or Factual Problems with the Case
One of the reasons that your case may be delayed is if there are issues determining who was liable for the accident or proving their careless or negligence. It can be hard to prove negligence in many different types of accident types. If the insurer will not offer a reasonable settlement then we will have to work provide evidence of liability.
In some cases, liability may be very clear but there may be an issue determining your damages. For example, if a doctor says you are injured but that they cannot be sure the injury is related to the accident in question, we may need to work with our medical experts to have the truth proven.
Your Settlement Can Be Delayed if There Are Large Damages
An insurer will carefully review every single case before offering a settlement. However, when a settlement is very large they may add additional stop gaps to ensure they are not paying a penny more than they are required to. If you are dealing with a $5,000 payout it is likely you will get a faster settlement than if you are dealing with a $5 million payout. There are of course exceptions to both examples.
It is Likely Your Case Should Not Be Settled Until You Have Reached Maximum Medical Improvement
If you are still being treated for your injuries then it may not be the best time to reach a settlement. Why? Because we cannot know with 100% certainty what your future medical bills will be. However, in some cases, your doctor or another medical professional will be able to estimate your future medical costs and we can work that into our settlement request. At that point it is up to the insurance adjuster to accept the cost or not.
If you have been injured in an accident then the best thing you can do to maximize your payout and increase the chances of settling quickly is to work with an experienced personal injury attorney. You can reach Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now for a free legal consultation.
