How long does a car accident settlement take? How long a car accident settlement takes varies based on the severity of the injuries of those involved, liability disputes, insurance processing, and litigation.
A Salt Lake City car accident lawyer from Siegfried & Jensen can provide additional insights into auto crash settlements and how long it can take to get one.
Car Accident Cases Are Sometimes Settled Once Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) Is Reached
Maximum medical improvement is the point at which a person’s condition has stabilized and is not expected to improve significantly with more medical care. It can impact how long a car accident settlement takes, since an attorney is likely to advise their client to reach MMI before they accept a proposal.
If you are injured in a car accident, your personal injury lawyer in Salt Lake City wants to know about your medical costs. They can help you track these for the duration of your case.
Once you reach MMI, your lawyer will know what you’ve spent on medical care and what medical costs you will incur in the future. That way, they can account for them as they negotiate your settlement.
Siegfried & Jensen has recovered over $1.2 billion for our clients, including those injured in auto accidents. We can provide insights into what to do if you’re involved in a multi-vehicle crash and other insights relative to your case. Plus, we will strive to negotiate your accident settlement within a reasonable time frame. To learn more, request a free case evaluation.
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Disputes Over Liability Can Prolong the Car Accident Settlement Timeline
Even if you meet the vehicle insurance requirements for drivers in Utah, an insurance company can dispute your claim for compensation following a car accident. The same holds true for car insurance claims in other states as well. As such, a liability dispute can extend how long it takes a car accident to be settled.
Since Utah is a no-fault state, your insurer may give you fair compensation for your car accident promptly. Yet, if your losses exceed your coverage, you can pursue compensation from a liable party’s insurer. At this point, a liability dispute can arise, and it can be a long time before this party’s insurer agrees to compensate you.
The car accident attorneys at Siegfried & Jensen are unafraid to stand up to insurance companies. We can help you file an insurance claim after an auto accident. From here, we can detail to an insurance company why your compensation request is valid.
Insurance Companies Can Take a Long Time to Process and Settle Your Auto Collision Claim
As you think about how long it can take to get a car accident settlement, it’s important to note that you have very little control over the insurance claims process. Once you file your claim, an insurance company can investigate. However, the business can do things to delay your claim and keep you from getting money for your accident losses.
Instead of going through the insurance claims process alone, it helps to have a personal injury attorney from Siegfried & Jensen on your side. Your lawyer can provide frequent status updates regarding your claim. In addition, we can negotiate a settlement based on your case’s estimated value.
Your lawyer wants to negotiate a high car accident settlement. At the same time, they will treat your case as if it will go to trial. That way, if insurance settlement negotiations do not result in an agreement, your attorney is prepared to present your case to a judge or jury.
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Litigation Can Play a Role in How Long an Auto Accident Settlement Can Take
If you file an auto accident lawsuit, how long it can take to receive an auto crash settlement can depend on when your trial is scheduled. Leading up to your trial, settlement negotiations can take place between you and the defendant. These negotiations can be contentious. If they prove to be unsuccessful, a judge or jury can decide your case.
The personal injury lawyers at Siegfried & Jensen prioritize our clients’ rights and best interests. During settlement negotiations, your attorney considers your lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and other economic and non-economic damages. They want you to get a settlement that encompasses your tangible and intangible losses.
Of course, settlement negotiations don’t come with guarantees. As your lawyer negotiates your settlement, they can continue to collect evidence and take other measures to build your case for trial. In your trial, they can explain to a judge or jury how the defendant acted negligently and should pay damages.
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There’s Often a Brief Window from the Date You Accept a Settlement to When You Receive Payment
When you assess how much time a car accident settlement takes, the time frame between the date you approve a proposal and when you actually get your money is a factor to consider. This time frame can be far shorter than the window needed to negotiate your settlement terms.
Generally, it can take a few weeks from the day you accept a settlement to when you get your payment. If you hired a lawyer who works on contingency to handle your settlement negotiations, they can deduct their costs from this amount before you receive your check.
At Siegfried & Jensen, we want our clients to establish realistic expectations for car accident settlement negotiations. We can perform an in-depth evaluation of your case. Next, we can start negotiating with a liable party or their insurance company. If any offers are made, you can review them with us, and you will have the final say on whether to accept, decline, or counter.
Learn More About How Long an Auto Crash Settlement Can Take
Siegfried & Jensen has decades of combined experience on staff. We can answer any questions you have about how long a car crash settlement can take and other legal topics.
If you want us to represent and advocate for you as part of an auto crash claim or lawsuit, we’re here to help. Contact us today.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
