Several factors, including the time it takes to complete discovery, the insurance company‘s slow response time, and complex liability, can influence the time it takes to settle after a car accident in Washington State.
A Tacoma car accident lawyer can provide specific information about why your car accident settlement is taking so long. Additionally, an attorney may minimize the time settlement negotiations take by expediting the legal process.
Reasons Why Your Car Accident Settlement Is Taking So Long
A Tacoma personal injury lawyer can look at the facts around your situation and explain the factors potentially increasing the time it takes to settle. For example, it can take longer to settle cases that involve:
Complex Liability
Sometimes, multiple parties hold liability for a car accident. Accidents involving several at-fault parties can take longer to settle as lawyers and representatives of insurance companies try to determine the correct allocation of responsibility for a collision.
Slow Insurance Company Response Times
Some insurance companies stall and delay their responses as much as possible during settlement negotiations. They may do this in the hopes that the injured party will give up and accept a subpar settlement.
An attorney can pressure the insurance company and handle these stall tactics.
A Lengthy Period of Discovery
Lawyers need to investigate after a car accident to determine who caused the crash and to collect evidence. For example, your lawyer may need to:
- Speak to all eyewitnesses and take their official statements
- Get copies of all accident reports
- Visit the scene of the crash
- Work with expert witnesses
The time it takes to complete this discovery process can vary; in some cases, it can make your settlement take longer. Your lawyer can provide more information about the timeline for this process and why your car accident settlement is taking so long.
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How Long do Most Car Accident Settlements Take?
The time it takes to settle with the insurance company after a crash will vary. In many cases, an attorney can wrap up negotiations in only a few months.
However, if your accident involves complicated liability or requires extensive investigations, it may take longer to negotiate a settlement. Typically, it will take anywhere from six to eighteen months (or longer) to reach a resolution by settlement – and longer if the case is filed into litigation.
Can You Reduce the Time It Takes to Settle After a Collision?
In some cases, you can reduce the overall time you have to wait to receive a settlement after a car accident. Steps you can take to shorten the legal process include:
Collecting Evidence from the Crash Scene
You may reduce the time you have to wait for compensation after a crash by gathering evidence before you leave the accident scene. For example, you may:
- Take pictures of your injuries and the damage to your vehicle
- Get contact details from eyewitnesses
- Write down what you remember about the crash
Your attorney may use this information to construct a solid claim. If the evidence clearly shows another party’s negligence, it may reduce the length of settlement negotiations.
Calling the Police
You should call the police and tell them about any car accident in Tacoma that causes property damage, injuries, or death. Reporting the crash will generate an official report that contains information about what happened. Your lawyer may use this information when working on your claim.
Getting Medical Care
You should seek medical care quickly after a crash. Getting medical treatment right away can establish that your injuries came from the accident. Additionally, medical professionals can provide official information about the severity and extent of your injuries.
Information from your medical record can make it easier to establish your losses, preventing the insurance company from dragging out settlement negotiations.
Hiring a Car Accident Lawyer
Finally, you may reduce the time you have to wait for compensation by hiring a lawyer to take over settlement negotiations. Attorneys know how to counter stall tactics used by insurance companies and may expedite your claim.
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What if Settlement Negotiations Take Too Long?
In some cases, you may feel that negotiations with the insurance company simply take too long. Your attorney may decide that you should file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party.
Going through the court system typically takes more time than negotiating a settlement, but it may represent your best option, especially if the insurance company repeatedly treats you unfairly.
Both settling and filing a lawsuit may allow you to secure compensation to cover your medical bills, lost wages, pain, emotional distress, and mental suffering after a crash. You can discuss all available options to resolve your claim with a legal professional.
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Talk to Us About Your Car Accident Settlement
So, why is your car accident settlement taking so long in Tacoma? Various factors can drag out settlement negotiations, including how many parties contributed to your crash and the stall tactics employed by insurance companies.
You can get help navigating the legal process from our legal team at NextLaw. Injured in a car accident? Call Dan Next! We’re ready to take charge and assist with any challenges you face. You can find out more about us by calling or filling out our online contact form for help.
Call or text 253 238 2558 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form