How Long Does It Take To Settle A Car Accident Case?
What to Expect After a Car Accident in New Jersey
In the aftermath of an auto accident, there is a lot that needs to be done, from medical treatment to car repairs. In order to do these, you may need funds from the at-fault party or parties that are legally responsible for the accident. Unfortunately, this is not always a quick process. Back and forth between insurance companies and lawyers can delay a monetary settlement, leaving the victims stuck in limbo. So how long does it normally take for someone to receive their monetary settlement, and what can you expect along the way?
General Timing Of Accident Settlements
The simplest answer is that it will take a few months for a victim to settle a car accident case and receive the agreed upon monetary damages. But this answer comes with a caveat: this is only if all sides agree on fault distribution and quickly arrive at a number that they believe fully compensates the victims. These are near-perfect circumstances, and thus, are not the norm. Most of the time, the back and forth between all the lawyers and the insurance companies makes the more complicated cases drag on for many months, and sometimes even years.
Insurance Carriers And Timing
Another factor that can affect settlement timing is who the at-fault party is, and which insurance company they have their policy with. Large carriers with higher resources might take a more conservative approach to settlements, choosing to take more time to research the accident and ask for extra evidence to prove damages. Who holds the policy can make a difference, too. If the accident is covered by a company’s liability policy (such as with a delivery company or trucking company), this can also make an impact on how eager they will be to settle a case.
Other Factors Relevant To Settlement Timing
The circumstances of the crash make a big impact on how long it takes to come to a settlement. The number of the vehicles involved in the accident means that it will usually take longer to research and assign fault to each party. More parties means more insurance, and usually more legal problems. The back and forth between all the parties involved takes time, thus making a settlement period longer. Another issue that can prolong these negotiations is just how much in financial compensation someone deserves. Debates over how much a side deserve for past and future medical care is a common sticking point, and the same goes for property damage. This is why it is so important to keep detailed records of all medical treatment.
Seek Legal Help!
Even if you think your case can be resolved quickly, it is a good idea to talk to a personal injury attorney before you agree to anything or sign any paperwork. They can help you decide if they settlement offer is fair, help push for more, or advise you to take your case to court.
Contact A Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Car Crash Case In NJ Today!
Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries in a car accident in NJ? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at Birkhold & Maider, LLC represent clients injured in car wrecks in Newark, Belleville, Paterson, Clifton, East Orange, Bloomfield, Nutley, and other municipalities and townships in Essex County, Passaic County, Bergen County, Union County, and Middlesex County. Call (973) 784-8630 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 189 Franklin Avenue, Suite 1, Nutley, NJ 07110.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.
