You might assume that car accident settlements happen quickly, but that’s not always the case. If your claim is moving slowly, finding out why is the first step to protecting your rights and getting the compensation you deserve.
In this article, we’ll explain the different timelines involved in car accident settlements, what factors influence those timelines, and what to do if your case is dragging on. You’ll also learn how the settlement process works and how to push back when insurance companies slow things down.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, schedule a consultation with Leeson & Leeson. Our car accident attorneys will gather evidence, negotiate on your behalf, and help you pursue the full compensation you’re owed.
How Injuries Impact Car Accident Settlement Timelines
The time it takes to resolve a car accident settlement depends on the circumstances of the case and how quickly supporting documents are collected. Generally, settlements fall into three categories based on the severity of personal injuries:
Minor Injuries
Car accident cases involving minor injuries typically resolve quickly once medical records, police reports, and other documentation are in hand. The process of gathering these documents is typically the only major delay.
Moderate Injuries
Cases involving injuries without long-term implications often take 6 to 18 months to settle. They may be drawn out due to delays in:
- Collecting medical documentation
- Evaluating damages
- Negotiating compensation with the insurance company or opposing counsel
Severe Injuries
Cases involving serious bodily injury or death, such as loss of limb or long-term disabilities, can take 1 to 2 years or longer to resolve. These cases are often highly contentious due to the higher value of potential compensation and the process of proving long-term damages. In many cases, extensive litigation and negotiations are required.
Factors That Affect The Car Accident Settlement Timeline
Several variables can influence how quickly or slowly a car accident case is resolved:
Severity of Injuries
As we previously mentioned, more serious injuries often involve more extensive medical treatment, documentation, and higher stakes, making these cases take longer.
Disputes Over Liability
If there are disagreements over who was at fault, settlement discussions may stall. In these situations, your attorney will:
- Investigate the accident
- Determine who owed a duty of care
- Prove negligence and establish liability
Insurance Negotiations
Some insurance companies or opposing attorneys resist paying the full value of a claim. In such cases, your attorney may need to threaten litigation to apply pressure, which naturally extends the timeline.
Delays in Collecting Evidence
Delays in obtaining medical records, police reports, and insurance documentation can also slow the settlement process. Additionally, if your medical condition changes or new complications arise, these must be factored into the claim before settlement.
The Car Accident Settlement Process Explained
Stage 1: The Accident and Initial Claim
After the accident, you or your attorney will initiate a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company. This includes informing the insurer of your intent to pursue damages.
Stage 2: Collecting Evidence
Next, your car accident attorney will collect:
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Insurance details (yours and the other party’s)
This documentation supports your claim and increases your chances of winning compensation.
Stage 3: Negotiation and Litigation (if necessary)
If the insurance company refuses to pay your full claim, your attorney may:
- Begin negotiation or mediation
- File a lawsuit if needed
Litigation allows for discovery, where more evidence is shared, and often forces the insurance company to take your case seriously.
What To Do If Your Car Accident Settlement Is Taking Too Long
Delays are common in car accident settlements, but you don’t have to wait indefinitely. Depending on the details of your case, your attorney may apply legal pressure:
- If your damages exceed policy limits, your lawyer may send a bad faith letter to the insurance company demanding full payout.
- If the damages are less than the coverage limits, your attorney may issue a demand letter with a deadline. If the insurer fails to respond, your attorney may proceed with litigation.
The right strategy depends on the details of your case. Your attorney will identify the cause of delays in your settlement and take the right steps to speed up the process.
Get the Settlement You Deserve with Leeson & Leeson
If your settlement is dragging on or you’re unsure where your claim stands, Leeson & Leeson will keep your case moving. Our car accident lawyers handle negotiations, gather relevant evidence, and hold insurers accountable to pay every dollar you’re entitled to.
Schedule a consultation with us today; let’s move your case forward and secure the compensation you deserve.
