Some car accident insurance claims are settled relatively quickly, while others can drag on for quite a while. There are many factors affecting the duration of an insurance claim, so it is difficult to say how long it will take to reach a settlement. You also have to consider the fact that insurance companies are actively trying to avoid paying out fair compensation.
The problem is, as time goes on, victims may be desperate for a resolution so they can receive compensation. They may be more likely to accept an unfair settlement. This is why it can be a huge help to have an attorney with you throughout the process.
If you or a loved one needs help with an insurance settlement, it is crucial to contact a Cincinnati car accident lawyer at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy to assist with your claim. We can communicate with the insurance company and aggressively pursue a settlement of your claim.
Factors That Affect Your Settlement
There are several factors that affect how long it takes to settle your car accident claim, including the following:
- The cooperation of the insurance company
- The injuries suffered
- Recovery time
- Legal or administrative problems
This is why it is important to have all necessary documentation to establish each element of your claim, including the accident report, witness statements and photos of the accident scene.
It can also help to have an experienced attorney who has been through the process before and knows what to expect and how to build a strong case. He or she will explain whether the settlement offer is fair given the level of damages that you suffered. A personal injury lawyer can also file a lawsuit if the insurance company is not willing to settle or will not offer enough compensation.
Severity Of Your Injuries
The severity of your injuries and your recovery time are often unknown early in the claims process. Your doctor may discover additional issues as time goes on. It often takes weeks or months until accident victims reach maximum medical improvement. Once you reach this stage, it is possible for both parties to agree on a settlement.
Cooperation From The Insurance Company
When the insurance company is quick to cooperate or provides an offer right away, it is usually a lowball offer. However, sometimes insurance companies want to get a claim resolved quickly and they avoid making an unfair offer. This could help speed up the process. When a lawyer is involved, the insurance company may know the case is serious and may be more cooperative.
Determining Fault
One of the first things the insurance company will do is try to determine who was at fault for the accident. The insurance company will analyze your actions and the actions of the other driver before the crash to determine if there was any carelessness or recklessness. Special attention will be paid to any traffic citations issued by police officers after the crash, as this could indicate some form of negligence.
If it is difficult to prove the other driver is at fault in the collision, the insurance carrier may not want to settle or could deny the claim. Pictures of the accident scene and damage to the vehicle may help explain how the accident occurred and establish the fault of the other driver.
Contact A Lawyer For Help With Your Claim
After an accident, it can be very beneficial to contact O’Connor, Acciani & Levy so we can assist you with your claim. We will work diligently to pursue the most compensation possible for your claim.
Contact us for a free case evaluation. Because we work on a contingency fee only, you only pay when we are successful with your insurance settlement or you receive an award at trial.