If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you may be wondering how long it will take to get a settlement. The answer to that question depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries and the insurance company’s liability.
At The Law Offices of Jason E. Taylor, our Rock Hill car accident lawyers have years of experience with personal injury cases. We are well versed in South Carolina law and can offer you the formal legal advice you need. 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:
Modified Comparative Negligence in South Carolina
The state of South Carolina follows a modified comparative negligence law. If you are found to be 51% at fault for the accident, you may not recover any damages. This doctrine can significantly impact your case, the amount of your recovery and how long it takes to settle.
This is why it’s important to have one of our personal injury attorneys. An experienced lawyer can help you gather evidence to prove that you were not at fault for the accident.
The Severity of Injuries
The severity of your injuries will also play a role in how long it takes to settle your claim. If you have suffered severe or permanent injuries, the insurance company will likely take longer to settle.
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.
Amount of Damage to the Vehicle
The amount of damage to the vehicle can also impact how long it takes to settle a claim. If the damage is minor, the insurance company may be more likely to settle quickly. The insurance company will likely take longer to settle if the damage is significant.
Insurance Coverage
The insurance policy limits may also impact how long it takes to settle a car accident claim. If the policy limits are low, the insurance company is likely to settle quickly. However, the payment may not cover all of your expenses, so you may need to file a personal injury claim to recover the remaining costs.
The Type of Accident
The type of accident can also impact how long it takes to settle a claim. For example, if you were injured in a drunk driving accident and a criminal charge is involved, it may take longer to resolve the case because the insurance company may wait to see what happens to the charges.
Filing a Car Accident Claim in Rock Hill, SC
If you have been injured in a car accident, it’s important to contact an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced lawyer can help you file a car accident claim and negotiate a settlement with the insurance company.
The Car Accident Settlement Process
The car accident settlement process typically involves the following steps:
- Filing a car accident claim with the insurance company
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Negotiating a settlement with the insurance company
- If the settlement is not reached, filing a lawsuit
The Role of Lawyers in Settling Car Accident Claims
When it comes to settling car accident claims, the role of lawyers is critical. An experienced car accident lawyer will be able to gather evidence to prove that you were not at fault for the accident. This can help speed up the settlement process.
Trial vs. Settlement
One of the main decisions you will have to make when settling a car accident claim is whether to take the case to trial or settle. 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. An experienced lawyer can help determine what the best option is in your particular case.
How Long Will it Take for My Rock Hill Car Accident Case to Go to Court?
The length of a car accident case will depend on several factors, including the severity of injuries, how clear liability is against the other driver, and amount of damage to the vehicle. Most claims for car accidents are settled out of court, and it can take several months for a settlement to be reached. Contact an experienced car accident lawyer to learn more about the time frame for your specific case.
Why You Should Hire a Rock Hill Car Accident Attorney for Your Case
Insurance companies do everything they can to prevent paying you a settlement or try to pay out as little as possible. After you file a claim with your insurance company, they will send an insurance adjuster to investigate the claim. Talking to an insurance adjuster may only heighten stress if you have suffered injuries due to a car accident.
When you hire one of the auto accident attorneys at The Law Offices of Jason. E Taylor, we will handle all negotiations with the insurance company. This takes the pressure off you and allows you to focus on your recovery.
Damages You Can Recover in a Car Accident Settlement
When you settle a personal injury case for a car accident, you can recover compensation for the following:
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 South Carolina Car Accident Attorney Today
Our Rock Hill Rock Hill 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 a personal injury lawyer at 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.
