If you have been involved in a car accident, you have suffered damages. You want to be compensated for your losses, so you can fix your car, pay your medical bills, and cover your living expenses because of your lost wages. Getting your personal injury claim settled is important to you during this challenging time.
However, settling a car accident personal injury claim does not happen overnight. After all, negotiations with an auto insurance carrier are never simple or fast. They are in the business to make money, so they are not going to want to offer you the full value of your claim.
Damages Suffered in a Car Accident
When you file a personal injury claim for a car accident, you need to include all the damages that you suffered.
Common damages include property damages, medical expenses, future medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of earnings, loss of consortium, loss of enjoyment of life, permanent disabilities, permanent scarring and disfigurement, and other damages.
Your personal injury attorney will help you assess your claim and determine all the damages that you suffered because of the accident. It is imperative to list all your damages in your claim because you cannot file another claim after you have reached a settlement.
The Settlement Timeframe
The timeframe for settling your personal injury claim is dependent on several factors. The severity of your injuries, the extent of your damages, the number of vehicles involved, the liability, where the accident took place, if a commercial vehicle was involved, if criminal charges resulted, and many more factors will come into play.
Some car accident personal injury claims are settled rather quickly, within a matter of a month or so. However, some personal injury claims cannot be settled and must advance to court for a judge to rule on. In that case, it could take a year or longer for a claim to be resolved.
However, after a settlement is reached or a judgment is rendered, you should expect payment within about 14 days or so. Remember, this can vary from case to case, so keep in touch with your personal injury attorney.
Consult with a Personal Injury Attorney
All car accident claims are different. Because of the challenges faced by these claims and with dealing with auto insurance carriers, you should consult with a personal injury attorney. With the help of an attorney, your odds of getting a fair settlement increase significantly.
An attorney will review the details of your accident, determine which injuries and damages you suffered, come up with a fair value for your claim and gather up evidence and documentation to support your claim. Your odds of a successful claim increase significantly when you have a lawyer representing you.
Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today, so an attorney in your state can review your case and determine the best way to proceed with your claim. A statute of limitations applies, so don’t wait until it is too late to pursue your claim.
