How Long Does It Usually Take to Get a Settlement from a Car Accident?

How Long Does It Usually Take to Get a Settlement from a Car Accident?

For the most part, when we file an insurance claim for a car accident, it’s paid. We usually get our check in a week or two. However, there are many times when an insurance company denies our claim. When this happens, we need to rely on an experienced car accident attorney to get a settlement.

A car accident attorney can do a couple of things. He can file an appeal of your claim and try to get it paid. He will negotiate with the insurance adjuster to try to make this happen. If he’s unsuccessful, he’ll have no choice but to file a lawsuit on your behalf.

When you file suit, you’ll have to name all possible responsible parties. This includes the drivers involved and their insurance companies. It could also involve third parties. It really depends on the circumstances of your case.

Car accident claims can get very complicated. And, the more complicated your case, the longer it will take to settle.

Why Do Texas Car Accident Attorney Try to Settle Cases?

When you file your initial car accident claim, it may be a large amount. This makes sense, After all, your claim is going to include all of the following:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering

If the insurance company denies your claim, your lawyer will have to file an appeal. He’ll call and talk to the insurance adjuster. He’ll find out why the claim was denied in the first place. Some of the more common reasons for a claim being denied include:

  • The policy wasn’t valid
  • The insurance policy lapsed or was canceled for non-payment prior to the accident
  • The driver wasn’t listed on the policy
  • The insurance company believes you were at fault
  • They don’t believe your injuries are legitimate
  • They think you had a pre-existing condition
  • You have a history of filing false or exaggerated insurance claims

Depending on the reason, your car accident lawyer may be able to get your claim approved. He can submit paperwork or documentation to the insurance company with the appeal.

The insurance company is going to consider a few things in your appeal. The bottom line will be this: will it cost the insurance company more to pay the claim or fight it in court?

Your Texas car accident attorney knows this. If they can negotiate a settlement amount that is fair, it’s your best interest to accept it. Sometimes, it’s better to take less money upfront than take your chances in court.

Your Texas Car Accident Lawyer Knows it’s Quicker to Settle Your Insurance Claim Than File a Lawsuit

If your Texas car accident lawyer can settle your claim with the insurance company, he may encourage you to do so. This means you’ll get a lump sum of money rather quickly. Usually, once your appeal is filed, you can expect to settle your claim within just a month or two.

The insurance company may offer a certain lump sum amount to settle. They’ll do this to avoid a lawsuit. It’s cheaper for them to settle now than to risk the case going to trial. A settlement also means that they won’t have to pay a ton in legal fees.

Your lawyer knows that, sometimes, a settlement of your claim is best for you. It lets you get money quickly. You can use this money to pay your medical bills and get back on your feet. It also will save you a ton in legal fees.

You just have to keep in mind that your attorney will take his fee out of his settlement. However, a settlement may save you a ton in filing fees and expenses.

Your Car Accident Lawyer in Texas Can Still Settle Once a Lawsuit is Filed

If you can’t get a fair settlement from the insurance company, you’ll have to file suit. Your lawsuit will demand the same damages as mentioned above. It will also ask for attorney fees and costs. Although these are rarely granted, it is still enough of a threat that it may motivate the insurance company to settle.

At any point before (and even during) trial, your case can settle. In fact, 95% of all cases do settle before trial. This is because trials are expensive and time-consuming. Your car accident lawyer in Texas knows it. So does the insurance company.

If you decide to settle after you file a lawsuit, it could happen at any point. It could literally be a matter of weeks or even years. If settling quickly is important to you, communicate this to your lawyer.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you need to contact a car accident lawyer in Texas today. Schedule your free initial consultation. And remember – you pay nothing until you settle your claim.

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