Charlotte is the most populous city in North Carolina and is known for attractions such as The NASCAR Hall of Fame and the Charlotte Hornets. Plus, it is the transportation hub for the Charlotte Metro Area, which includes North and South Carolina. There’s a lot to discover in Charlotte, so it’s no surprise that there is no shortage of personal injury cases. From car accidents to slip and falls and motorcycle accidents, most Charlotteans have experienced an accident at the hands of someone else at some point in their lives.
If you have been injured in an accident in Charlotte, you may be wondering how long it will take to settle your personal injury case. There is no one answer to this question as all personal injury claims have various factors to consider.
If you have questions about the legal process and how long it will take to settle your personal injury lawsuit, contact a personal injury lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today.
The Severity of Your Injuries
If you have suffered life-threatening injuries, then it is likely that your personal injury claim will take longer to settle than someone who has only suffered minor injuries. This is because there are more damages to be compensated for in a case where the victim has suffered more severe injuries. For instance, in a car accident case where you’ve suffered from a traumatic brain injury, the medical treatment you receive may be more extensive and expensive than if you suffered from whiplash or a minor concussion that resolves within a few weeks.
Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)
Another factor that will affect how long it will take to settle your case is whether or not you have reached maximum medical improvement. MMI does not mean that you are better. It means that your doctor has determined that you have recovered as much as you are going to from your injuries and that any further treatment will not improve your condition. However, you may still need on-going care to treat your symptoms, even once you are at MMI.
It’s best to settle your case after your doctor has determined you are at your MMI. This allows both the injured person and the insurance company to better understand the case’s full value and help facilitate a settlement as insurance companies generally don’t pay for what could or might happen in the future unless it’s supported by the treating medical provider.
The Insurance Company’s Delays
Unfortunately, even if you have suffered severe injuries and have reached MMI, the insurance company could still delay your case. The insurance company may try to drag out the process in hopes that you will settle for less than what your case is worth. This is why it is important to have an experienced Charlotte personal injury attorney on your side who can fight the insurance company and get you the compensation you deserve.
The Amount of Evidence Available
The more evidence you have, the easier it will be to settle your case. For a car accident claim, evidence may include witness statements, medical reports, and accident scene pictures. For a dog bite or premises liability case, you may need photos of the injuries, witness statements, and evidence of the dangerous conditions that led to the accident.
You can also include your medical bills and other expenses you’ve accrued due to the accident. It is easier to prove your case and get the compensation you deserve when you have evidence supporting your claim.
Negotiations
Once your attorney has gathered all of the evidence and medical records, they will begin negotiating with the insurance company. The goal is to get the insurance company to agree to a fair personal injury settlement covering all of your damages. If the insurance company does not agree to a fair settlement, then your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit, which will take longer than settling out of court.
It’s important to note that every case is different, and the amount of time it will take to settle your case will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of your case. If you have been injured in an accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to get started on your case.
The Type of Case
The type of case you have will also affect how long it will take to settle. For example, a car accident case usually settles quicker than a construction defect or truck accident case. This is because car accident cases are typically less complex and more straightforward than cases that may involve more than one liable party.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Charlotte Today
These are just some of the factors that can impact the length of time it takes to settle your personal injury case. If you have been injured in a North Carolina car accident or other personal injury accident, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can help you understand the process and what you can expect.
Our experienced Charlotte car accident lawyers know how to negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. We would be happy to answer any questions you have and help you get started on your case.
