There is no average time for a car accident settlement as there are a variety of factors that affect how long it takes to calculate and settle a claim. Car accidents range in severity, and car accident victims may face other factors that affect how long it takes to settle their case.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our Charlotte car accident lawyers have years of experience with personal injury cases. If you have questions about how long it will take to receive your settlement, contact us today for a free consultation.
Filing a Car Accident Claim in Charlotte
If you have been injured in a car accident, you should first call an attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you file your claim and get the best possible settlement for your injuries.
You should also:
- Gather evidence related to the accident, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and bills
- Keep track of your expenses related to the accident
- Not speak to the other driver or their insurance company without an attorney present
Contact our office for a free consultation. We will review your case and let you know what we can do to help.
The Car Accident Settlement Process
After you file your claim, the insurance company will send an insurance adjuster to investigate the case. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company to investigate claims and determine how much the company should pay.
The adjuster will look at all of the evidence related to your accident, including police reports, witness statements, medical records, and bills. The adjuster will also look at the insurance policy limits for the other driver and determine how much of that limit should be paid to you.
Trial vs. Settlement
Most car accident cases are settled out of court. An insurance adjuster will offer a settlement based on their investigation, and you have the option to accept or deny the offer. However, some cases go to trial. If the case goes to trial, a jury will decide how much money the injured person should receive.
Should I Settle or Go to Court?
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is always best to speak with an attorney before making any decisions about settling or going to court. An experienced car accident lawyer can help you understand your options and make the best decision for your case.
At our office, we offer free consultations to get all the information you need to make an informed decision about your case. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Charlotte car accident attorneys.
How Long Will it Take for My Charlotte Car Accident Case to Go to Court?
If your car accident lawsuit goes to trial, it will take longer to settle than if it is settled out of court. A trial can take months or even years to complete. However, car accident cases can be resolved within a few months when they settle out of court.
Factors That Impact the Settlement Process
The amount of time it takes to settle a car accident case depends on many factors, including the severity of the injuries, the amount of damages, the insurance policy limits, and whether the case goes to trial.
Liability
One of the first things an insurance adjuster will do is question their insured’s liability. They will look for evidence suggesting their insured was not at fault for the accident. If they can find evidence to support their position, it may lengthen the settlement process.
In North Carolina, they will also look to see if you contributed to the collision. If they determine you are only 1% at fault, in North Carolina you are entirely barred from recovery.
The Severity of Injuries
The more serious the injuries, the longer it will take to settle the case. This is because serious injuries often require extensive medical treatment and may result in long-term or permanent damage.
Amount of Damages
The amount of damages you are claiming can also impact how long it takes to settle your case. If the accident is minor and requires a small payment, the insurance company may be more likely to resolve it quickly. However, if the accident is severe, the insurance company will take their time to investigate the claim and build their case.
Eyewitness Accounts
The insurance company will also try to get statements from any eyewitnesses. They will use these statements to argue that the injured person was not responsible for the accident or that you contributed to the collision and therefore cannot recover. If there are discrepancies in the eyewitness accounts it can also lengthen the settlement process as it may lead to a denied claim.
Why You Should Hire a Charlotte Car Accident Attorney for Your Case
Talking to an insurance adjuster may only heighten stress if you have suffered injuries due to a car accident. Insurance companies do everything they can to prevent paying you a settlement or try to pay out as little as possible. When you hire a personal injury lawyer, they will handle all negotiations with the insurance company. This takes the pressure off you and allows you to focus on your recovery.
If you decide to settle your case outside of court, your lawyer will work to get you the best possible settlement. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and take the case to trial.
Damages You Can Recover in a Car Accident Settlement
The most common types of damages that are awarded in a car accident settlement are:
- Medical Bills – This can include hospital bills, surgeries, medication, physical therapy, and any other medical treatment you have received due to the accident.
- Lost Wages – If you have missed work because of your injuries, you can recover your lost wages in a settlement.
- Pain and Suffering – This is a non-economic damage that compensates you for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you have experienced from the accident.
- Property damage – This can reimburse you for any damage to your vehicle or personal property, such as a cell phone or child car seat, caused by the accident.
Contact a North Carolina Car Accident Attorney Today
Our auto accident attorneys have experience with all personal injury cases, including car accidents. We are not afraid to take on insurance companies to help you obtain fair compensation. We value the attorney-client relationship and will work tirelessly to protect your rights.
Contact The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor today for your free initial consultation and learn more about what we can do to help you. We will answer your questions and explain all of your legal options.
