Because every case is different, there is no average time for a car accident settlement. The severity of your injuries, the length of your treatment, the amount of liability insurance coverage available, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate all play a role in how long it will take to settle.
In some cases, settlements can be reached relatively quickly. However, it may take months or even years to reach an agreement in other cases. If you wonder how long it will take to settle your car accident case, the best thing to do is speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our Concord car accident lawyers have years of experience with personal injury claims. If you have questions about how long it will take to receive your settlement, contact us today for a free consultation.
The Car Accident Settlement Process in Concord, North Carolina
Hiring a Car Accident Attorney in Concord
If you have been injured in a car accident, the first step is to hire a qualified car accident attorney. An experienced attorney will know how to navigate the complex legal process and ensure that your rights are protected. Additionally, an attorney can help you gather the evidence necessary to prove liability and maximize the value of your claim and the available coverages.
Investigating Your Claim
Once you have hired an attorney, the next step is to investigate your claim. This process typically includes reviewing police reports, medical records, and eyewitness statements. It is important to thoroughly investigate your claim so that you can establish a strong case against the at-fault driver.
Calculating Your Damages
Your attorney will calculate the value of your damages. This process considers all of the financial and non-financial losses you have suffered due to the accident. The severity of your injuries is the most important factor in calculating damages. If you have suffered serious injuries, you are likely to recover more money than if you have only suffered minor injuries.
Other factors that will be considered when calculating damages include:
- The cost of your medical treatment
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Filing Your Car Accident Claim
After your attorney has investigated your claim and calculated your damages, the next step is to file a car accident claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company. Your lawyer will handle all communications with the insurance company so that you can focus on your recovery.
Most insurance companies (including Allstate, Geico, Progressive, State Farm, and Liberty Mutual) are interested in settling claims for car accidents quickly and for as little money as possible. For this reason, it is important to have an experienced attorney on your side who can negotiate with the insurance company and fight for the full value of your claim.
Settling Your Claim
The majority of car accident claims are settled without ever having to file an actual lawsuit. This means that you and the at-fault driver’s insurance company agree on a settlement amount, and the case is resolved. If you cannot reach an agreement with the at-fault insurance company, you may need to file a lawsuit. Even once a lawsuit is filed, a case can still settle without ever having to step into the courtroom. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, the case will go to either a jury trial or a bench trial. A bench trial is when the judge is the sole finder of fact and makes the decision instead of a jury of your peers.
Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit in Concord, North Carolina
If the at-fault driver does not have enough insurance to cover your damages or the insurance company rejects your claim, you may need to file a lawsuit.
What Happens During a Car Accident Lawsuit in Concord, North Carolina?
If you have decided to file a lawsuit, your attorney will file a complaint with the Clerk of Court. The complaint is a document that states the facts of your case and the damages you are seeking. Once the complaint is filed, the at-fault driver and their insurance company will have an opportunity to respond.
The next step in the process is called the discovery period. During discovery, both sides will have the opportunity to request information and documents from the other side. This is typically done through written questions (interrogatories) and requests for the production of documents. The opposing attorney may also want to take your deposition, which is their only real chance to talk to you directly and have you answer questions under oath before the actual trial.
After discovery is complete, the next step is to file motions with the court. Motions are used to ask the court to make a ruling on an issue relating to the case. For example, one party may file a motion to exclude evidence not relevant to the case.
The final step in the process is trial. If your case goes to trial, both sides will present their evidence and arguments to a judge or jury.
If you win your case in court, the at-fault driver will be ordered to pay damages. If you lose your case, you will not be entitled to compensation and may even be ordered to pay the other side’s costs.
Should I Go to Trial or Accept a Settlement?
The majority of car accident cases are settled out of court. However, there are some cases where it is in your best interest to go to trial. Your attorney will help you make this decision by evaluating the evidence in your case and advising you on the best course of action.
There are several benefits to settling your case out of court, including:
- Saving time and money
- Avoiding the stress of a trial
- Having more control over the outcome of your case
If you decide to settle your case, your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. The goal is to reach an agreement that compensates you for all of your damages.
How Long Would it Take for My Concord Car Accident Case to Go to Court?
The amount of time it takes for a car accident case to go to court varies depending on the facts of the case and whether the parties can settle.
If you have been in a car accident, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner your case can be moving toward resolution.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Process?
You may not be able to speed up the process, but you can take steps to ensure you are prepared. First, make sure that you have all necessary documentation, including medical records, lost wage documentation and police reports. This will help give your attorney what they need to establish a strong case.
Second, be realistic about your expectations. It is important to remember that insurance companies are businesses, and they will not pay more than they have to.
Finally, it is important to be patient. The process may take some time, but letting your attorney do their job is the best way to get the best possible outcome.
Damages You Can Recover in a Car Accident Settlement in Concord, North Carolina
The amount of money you can receive in a car accident settlement depends on the severity of your injuries and the facts of your case. In general, you may be able to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses – This includes the cost of hospitalization, surgery, medication, and any other medical treatment you need due to your injuries.
- Lost wages – If you missed work because of your injuries, you might be able to recover lost wages in your settlement.
- Pain and suffering – This type of non-economic damage compensates you for the physical and emotional pain and suffering you experienced due to your injuries.
- Punitive damages – Punitive damages may be awarded in some cases where the at-fault driver acted with egregious conduct, such as driving while impaired.
If you have been in a car accident, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney to discuss the damages you may be entitled to receive.
What is the Average Car Accident Settlement in Concord, North Carolina?
The average car accident settlement varies depending on the facts of the case. Some settlements may be for a few thousand dollars, while others may be for millions. It depends on so many factors, including the severity of the injuries, including whether or not the injuries are permanent, your inability to work due to your injuries, and the amount of coverage available to name a few.
When you contact a lawyer at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, we will discuss the amount of money you may be entitled to in your claim.
How Can I Get the Most Money Possible for My Concord Car Accident Settlement?
You can do several things to improve your chances of receiving a higher settlement in your car accident case.
Some of the things you can do include:
- Hiring an experienced attorney – An experienced attorney will know how to negotiate with insurance companies and get you the maximum amount of money possible for your claim.
- Keeping track of your damages – It is important to keep track of all the damages you have incurred due to the accident. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and any other expenses you have incurred.
- Documenting your injuries – Be sure to keep copies of all the medical reports and documentation of your injuries. This will be important evidence in your case.
If you have been in a car accident, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible.
Contact a Concord, North Carolina Car Accident Attorney Today
Our Concord auto accident attorneys have experience helping car accident victims take on insurance companies to help them obtain a fair settlement. 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.
