Car accidents that result in injuries can be complex and can take time to resolve, particularly when the victim sustained serious injuries. If you have been injured in a car crash and cannot return to work, you may want to settle your case as soon as possible. This way, you can pay your bills and avoid falling into debt, and move on with your life. While each case is different, how long it takes for your case to get settled depends on some factors. Philadelphia, PA car accident attorneys play an important role in determining the possible timeline of your case. The best attorneys in the city know what it takes to win a car accident case.
Important Factors to Consider
The timeframe for a car crash settlement is affected by many factors. If fault for an accident is clear, sufficient insurance coverage exists, and the victim sustains just minor injuries, the car accident case can be settled in a few weeks or months. But some factors could extend the amount of time necessary to settle other cases. These include the following:
- The seriousness of the injuries suffered. If you suffered serious injuries such as amputations, brain injuries, and debilitating back injuries, you may need surgery, ongoing treatment, or therapy. Because of this, it may take a while to settle your claim.
- How the insurance company responds to your claim. If you have suffered serious injuries and have huge medical bills, the insurer of the other driver may negotiate for a lowball settlement. If the negligent driver does not accept responsibility, their insurer may not cooperate, extending the length of time your case can be resolved.
- Fault is not clear. If fault for the car accident is not clearly determined, the insurer may hesitate to settle and may challenge your claim.
- Court cases. Should your case go to court, it can take longer to settle your case due to the legal process involved.
Getting the Compensation You Deserve in Court
In some instances, your case may need to go to court to increase your chance of getting fair compensation. Understanding the court process will help you know how long your case could take. To get started, you will need to file a complaint with a court first. Then, you must appear at a discovery conference where your attorney and the lawyer of the other party decide on a schedule for questioning and requesting documents. The process also includes both sides filing requests and waiting for a response, which can take up to thirty days. Before the actual trial, every party can file pre-trial motions.
