There is no average time for a car accident to settle. Car accidents range in severity, and car accident victims face various factors that may impact how long it takes to settle their case.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our Greenville 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.
Factors That Impact How Long it Takes to Settle Your Claim
The amount of time it takes to settle a car accident claim will depend on a variety of factors, including:
Contributory Negligence
In North Carolina, if you are found to be even slightly at fault for an accident, you may not be able to recover damages. This is known as contributory negligence, and it can have a significant impact on your case and how long it takes to settle.
This is why it’s important to have an experienced car accident lawyer on your side. An experienced lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove that you were not at fault for the accident.
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.
How to File a Car Accident Claim in Greenville
The best way to file a claim is to call an experienced car accident lawyer. A lawyer will file the claim for you and handle negotiations with the liable party. You can, however, take steps to prepare for your claim.
To prepare for your claim, you should:
- Collect evidence related to the accident. This includes police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
- 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
The Investigation
After you file a claim, an insurance adjuster will be assigned to your case. The insurance adjuster’s job is to investigate the accident and determine who was at fault. They will also assess the damage to your vehicle and calculate the cost of repairs.
Settlement Negotiations
Once the insurance company has all of the information it needs, settlement negotiations will begin. This can be a lengthy process, as both sides typically try to reach a resolution that is in their best interests.
Trial vs. Settlement
Most car accident cases are settled out of court. The 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.
How Long Will it Take for My Greenville Car Accident Case to Go to Court?
The average time for a car accident case to go to court varies depending on the circumstances of the case. To get an idea of how long it will take, contact a car accident attorney at The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor for more information.
Why You Should Hire a Greenville Car Accident Lawyer for Your Case
If you are injured in a car accident, it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side. Our Greenville car accident lawyers help you file your claim and work with you to obtain the maximum compensation available to you. A lawyer will:
- Gather evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Review police reports
- Obtain medical records and bills
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance company
Damages You Can Recover in a Car Accident Settlement
There are several types of damages that you can seek in a personal injury claim.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are losses that can be quantified in terms of money, such as:
- Medical Bills – Medical expenses are your treatment costs, including hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation.
- Property Damage – Property damage is the damage to your vehicle or other property damaged in the accident.
- Lost Wages – Lost wages are wages you would have earned if you had not been injured in the accident. They can be calculated using your previous pay stubs and tax returns.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are losses that cannot be quantified in terms of money, such as pain and suffering. Pain and suffering refers to the physical and emotional anguish you experience from your injuries.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are awarded when the at-fault driver’s actions were particularly reckless or egregious. These damages are meant to punish the at-fault driver and deter others from engaging in similar behavior.
Wrongful Death Claims
If you have lost a loved one in a car accident, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. To qualify for damages, you must prove that the other driver was at fault and that your loved one died due to the accident. You may recover economic damages in a wrongful death claim such as funeral and burial expenses.
Contact a North Carolina Car Accident Attorney Today
Our Greenville car accident attorneys have experience with all personal injury cases, including auto 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.
