Posted on Tuesday, October 15th, 2024 at 9:00 am
Your injuries and expenses can pile up quickly after an Atlanta car accident. In the face of this financial pressure, it’s frustrating when an insurance company drags its feet on your settlement. Unsurprisingly, people often ask us “Why is my car accident settlement taking so long in Atlanta?”
The Atlanta car accident attorneys at Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. understand your frustration and can help in these situations. We know you have immediate medical and financial needs, and we will do everything possible to speed up the process. You’ll find essential information on the timeline of a car accident settlement below.
Steps of an Atlanta Car Accident Claim
Knowing the steps in an Atlanta car accident claim can help you understand where you are in the process. That way, you can estimate how long you might have to wait before your case concludes. The basic steps in an Atlanta car accident claim are:
- Consulting an Attorney: The first step after a car accident is to contact a lawyer if you haven’t already done so. They’ll review your medical records, police reports, and any other evidence you provide to determine the best course of action.
- Investigation: Next, your attorney will investigate the accident in more detail. This includes collecting additional evidence like surveillance footage, witness statements, or accident reconstruction reports. Their goal is to build a strong case that proves the other driver caused the crash.
- Demand Letter: Once your attorney has gathered enough evidence, they will send a demand letter to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This letter outlines your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages and requests a specific settlement amount.
- Negotiation: The insurance company will likely respond with a lower offer. If the offer is too low, your attorney can negotiate for a better deal on your behalf. This step can take time, especially if the insurance company disputes liability or your compensation amount.
- Settlement or Lawsuit: You’ll receive a settlement if negotiations are successful. If not, your attorney may advise filing a lawsuit. However, it’s worth noting that settlement negotiations can (and often do) continue after filing a lawsuit and are often time-consuming.
- Litigation: If you can’t reach a settlement, your case will proceed to litigation. This involves depositions, discovery, and, potentially, a trial. Trials can add months or even years to the process, but most cases are resolved before reaching this stage.
How Long After a Demand Letter Can I Expect a Settlement?
People often ask us, “How long does a car accident settlement take?” Unfortunately, there’s no single answer to this question. How long it takes for a car accident claim to conclude involves many factors, such as:
- Liability Disputes: If the insurance company disputes who caused the accident, it can delay the settlement process. They may conduct their own investigation, which can take time, especially if the evidence is unclear. The more time it takes to prove fault, the longer your case may take to resolve.
- Severity of Injuries: Severe injuries usually mean higher medical bills and more compensation. Insurance companies are likelier to push back on larger claims, which can drag out settlement negotiations. If your injuries require ongoing treatment, settlement talks may be delayed until you know your full medical costs. You can also factor in pain and suffering in your claim.
- Insurance Company Tactics: Some insurance companies purposely delay the process to pressure victims into accepting a lower settlement. They may make lowball offers or stretch out negotiations, hoping you’ll settle quickly out of frustration.
- Medical Treatment Completion: Insurance companies prefer settling cases once you’ve finished treatment and your medical condition is stable. If you’re still receiving treatment, the settlement process may be postponed to accurately calculate your total medical expenses and future needs.
- Court Backlog: If your case goes to trial, court schedules, and backlogs can add months or even years to the process. Courts often have heavy dockets, meaning your trial date may be set weeks or months after you file a lawsuit.
- Multiple Parties Involved: The settlement process becomes more complex if the accident involves multiple vehicles or parties. Each party’s insurance company may conduct its own investigation, increasing the time required to settle any disputes.
How Our Lawyers Can Help Speed Up Your Settlement
If you’re ever wondering, “Why is my car accident settlement taking so long,” our experienced car accident lawyers know how to handle delays and move your case forward. We can gather strong evidence quickly, negotiate aggressively with insurance companies, and stay on top of key deadlines. Keeping communication clear and consistent can reduce unnecessary back-and-forth with the insurance. We can file a lawsuit to push for a fair settlement if negotiations stall.
Don’t wait to speak to our lawyers about your car accident case. Call Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. now at 770-205-8887 or complete our contact form for a free case evaluation. Our lawyers have the legal capacity and proven record of success to help you with your case.