Timeline for Filing a Lawsuit and Receiving Compensation After a Car Accident
After a car accident, one of the first questions you may ask is how long will my case take? After all, you may be unable to work and have mounting medical bills that present a financial hardship. While every case is different, a few things can make a case resolve quicker and for more money.
At Westlake Injury Law, we understand car accidents are not only emotionally overwhelming but can also be financially burdensome. We do not take this lightly, which is why we aggressively pursue the largest amount of compensation possible for each of our clients. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact our office at (805) 338-6880 for a free consultation.
What Is the Average Time for a Car Accident Lawsuit?
There is no average timeline for a car accident lawsuit. Every accident is different and, depending on several factors, may be settled quickly or could take a year or more to resolve.
One important thing to remember is that early settlement offers from the insurance company rarely reflect the true value of the case. Accepting an early offer may mean that you are settling for less than your case is worth.
The best way to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your case is to retain a car accident lawyer immediately after the collision. A lawyer can ensure that your case resolves for the largest recovery as quickly as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Receive a Settlement?
Depending on the circumstances of the case, it could take a few weeks, months, or even a year to receive a settlement after a car accident.
Factors that may affect the amount of time it takes to settle your case:
- The severity of your injuries;
- Whether there is a question of liability;
- If there were eyewitnesses to the accident;
- The investigation process;
- Whether there is a dispute about your injuries; and
- If you have retained legal counsel.
Seeking medical attention and hiring an attorney are two of the most critical factors in determining how quickly your car accident claim settles and whether the settlement amount covers all of your losses.
What If the Insurance Company Won’t Offer a Fair Settlement?
It is not uncommon for insurance companies to offer lower-than-acceptable settlements or to draw out claims in order to avoid paying full and fair compensation after a car accident. If the insurance company does not provide a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend setting the case for trial.
The vast majority of car accident cases settle before trial. Still, it is imperative to retain an attorney who is ready and willing to litigate your case to get the recovery you deserve. Auto accident trials generally take only a few days, but it may take months or more to get to that point.
How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit?
In California, the statute of limitations to file a car accident lawsuit is two years. According to state law, if you do not file a personal injury lawsuit within those two years, you may be barred from recovery (unable to obtain compensation).
Hiring an Experienced Lawyer
If you are involved in a car accident, contact our office at (805) 338-6880 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our trial lawyers can help you understand your rights after an auto accident. There are no fees unless we win; call now to get started.
