If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto collision, you’re probably wondering what the average time for a car accident settlement is. Auto insurance claims can take as little as several days or as long as a few months to wrap up. That said, the amount of time it takes for your claim to settle will depend on the complexity and factors surrounding your case.
At Claggett, Sykes & Garza, our Glastonbury car accident lawyers are here to provide the information and representation you need to recover from your collision. We can answer any questions you have about your case and provide the advocacy you need to maximize your settlement and obtain justice.
Factors that Affect the Average Car Accident Settlement Timeline
As mentioned above, the average car accident claim can take anywhere from a couple days to several months to reach a settlement. If you’re dealing with lost wages, expensive medical bills, and other accident-related losses, you’ll probably want more information regarding how long it will take to get a settlement check.
Fortunately, a car accident attorney can review the details of your case and give you a rough estimate of how long you can expect to wait to receive your payment. They’ll factor in the following elements when advising you on your settlement timeline:
Investigating the Accident
The first factor that will impact how much time it will take to get your car accident settlement is the investigation. This is a necessary step in the legal process, as it will allow your attorney to gather evidence to support your claim. The more facts and information your lawyer has, the stronger your insurance claim will be.
Gathering Witness Testimony
Your lawyer will also interview eyewitnesses to learn more about the collision you were involved in. Their accounts of the crash can add to your claim’s credibility and increase the likelihood that you’ll receive a fair settlement.
Analyzing Evidence
Next, your attorney must review the evidence and testimony they’ve collected. Doing so will allow them to determine who is at fault and prove that the at-fault party should be held liable for your losses.
Negotiating With the Insurer
Finally, your lawyer must file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurer and negotiate a settlement that meets your needs. They’ll work hard to convince insurance adjusters that you deserve a payment that covers all of your economic and non-economic losses.
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How Long You Have to File a Car Accident Claim
Another element that your attorney will have to keep in mind when pursuing your car accident settlement is Connecticut’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. The statute dictates how long you have to file a civil suit for the injuries and losses you were burdened with due to the collision.
If insurers fail to offer enough compensation or if your losses exceed the at-fault driver’s policy limit, you may have to pursue a lawsuit. In that case, you’ll have to abide by Conn. Gen. Stat. § 52-584. This law gives you two years from the day of your crash to submit a lawsuit against the at-fault party. If you fail to do so, you could miss out on the compensation you deserve.
While the average car accident claim is settled out-of-court, there’s always a chance that you’ll have to take further legal action to obtain damages. Luckily, an attorney can work fast to submit your claim, ensuring there’s enough time to comply with the statute of limitations.
Compensation Included in the Average Car Accident Settlement
Now that you know more about the elements that impact the time it takes to settle the average car accident claim, you’re probably wondering what types of compensation you could receive from a successful case. When you work with an experienced car accident lawyer, they’ll likely pursue the following damage on your behalf:
- Current and future medical bills
- Cost of emergency operations, hospitalization, and ambulance services
- Prescription medication and physical therapy expenses
- Lost wages
- Decreased earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
These damages can provide the lifeline you need to make it through this difficult time. Whether you’re dealing with expensive medical bills, lost wages, physical pain, or all of the above, the compensation you might receive from the average car accident settlement can be life-changing.
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Schedule a Free Consultation With a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer
At Claggett, Sykes & Garza, our team knows how confusing and difficult it can be to file a car accident claim, which is why we’re here for you. A Glastonbury car accident attorney from our firm can answer any questions you have about the claims process and work hard to secure the damages you’re owed.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced attorney and learn more about the average timeline for a car accident settlement. If we find that you have grounds for a claim, we’ll do everything we can to give you an excellent client experience and obtain the results you need to move forward.
