After a car accident, victims usually have several issues on their minds. For example, they could be worried about making a full recovery or the cost of medical treatment. This is why an auto accident attorney in Atlanta, Georgia, to help you deal with your car accident claim, becomes necessary
Georgia is a fault-accident state. Therefore, the negligent driver will bear the liability for your crash. You can, thus, sue this fault party for all the damages you suffered from the collision. However, many people don’t know how long they’ll have to wait for a settlement.
Fearing a lengthy legal battle for compensation, they sometimes give up their car accident claim. That’s why it’s best to hire Atlanta car crash lawyers who tell you how long your settlement will take early enough. This article sheds light on how long it takes to settle a car accident claim.
Auto Accident Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia, Explains How Long You Have to Wait for a Car Accident Claim Settlement
Firstly, no two car accidents are the same. Each collision is unique in all the crucial aspects. Furthermore, these crashes involve different drivers and lawyers. Therefore, there cannot be a uniform time when your car accident claim will settle.
Instead, several factors affect when your compensation claim settles. We explain some of them below.
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Proof of Liability
Responsibility for the collision is the most vital factor. Some vehicle collisions are so straightforward, and liability isn’t in dispute. So, the insurance company quickly pays the victim. However, some crashes aren’t that simple. You’ll thus have first to establish the liability of the fault party.
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Recovery Period for Your Injuries
The nature and extent of your wounds also determine how quickly you get a settlement. For example, minor injuries usually require minimal medical attention. However, severe injuries may require long-term or future medical care.
In this case, your settlement may have to wait until you fully recover. Unfortunately, accepting compensation before full recovery means that you may receive a sum lower than you deserve. Every great attorney will advise that you wait until there’s an accurate estimate of your bills.
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The Quality of Your Evidence
Receiving compensation for your wounds depends on what you can prove. Therefore, your lawyer must tender evidence to show the extent of your losses. In addition, only clear proof can establish liability for the crash.
So, suppose you have weak evidence. Then, an insurance company may reject your car accident claim. A claim denial elongates the negotiation period, and you may eventually get less than you deserve for your losses.
Factors That Can Postpone Your Car Accident Settlement
Several other issues can complicate your case. This means that you may have to wait too long for a settlement. So, it’ll be best to note these factors. Then, you can take steps to eliminate their effects on your car accident claim.
Some of these elements include:
- Little or no evidence of liability for the crash
- Multiple negligent parties, such as several drivers
- Wrongful death
In some cases, getting a settlement without an attorney is possible. However, suppose any of these factors apply to your car accident claim. Then, it’ll be best to engage an auto car accident lawyer in Atlanta, Georgia. This is the only way to ensure that you get all the compensation you deserve.
Can I Hasten the Settlement Process?
Yes, you can take vital steps to get your compensation quickly. Some of such measures include:
- Documenting your car accident claim, including injuries and property losses
- Getting immediate medical attention
- Hiring a car accident lawyer early
- Providing all relevant details of the accident, and
- Never accept liability for a crash.
Atlanta Insurance Companies Aren’t in a Hurry to Settle
This is the reality. Vehicle insurance companies are never in a rush to settle a car accident claim. Notably, the reasons aren’t far-fetched. For example, car accident rates and insurance claims are increasing, meaning insurance companies have to pay large sums to victims.
However, insurers don’t like paying compensation because the more claims they deny, the larger their profits. In addition, insurance fraud is a significant problem. The result is insurance companies take some time to investigate accident claims.
So, they’ll look for signs of fraud or reasons to reduce your compensation. Either way, you may have to wait until after such investigations before getting a settlement. However, an experienced attorney can exploit the evidence and reduce the waiting period.
Deadlines for Paying Out Insurance Claims in Georgia
Fortunately, Georgia laws protect car accident victims. So, there are guidelines regulating when insurers respond to settlement claims. We explain them below.
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Acknowledgment
Filing a car accident claim is the first step in the settlement process. After that, the insurance company has 15 days to acknowledge receipt of your claim. These 15 days start counting immediately after you submit your car accident claim.
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Sending Proof of Loss Forms
Acknowledging receipt of your claim also means that the insurer has to send you proof of loss forms where you’ll fill in the details of your car accident claim. Notably, the company also has 15 days to forward this documentation.
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Accepting or Denying the Claim
You or your attorney must complete the proof of loss forms and return them to the insurance company. Within 15 days of producing these documents, the insurer has to accept or deny your car accident claim. Suppose your suit didn’t need the forms. Then, the company has 30 days from the date you filed the action.
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Provision for Extra Time
The insurance company may request more time to decide on accepting or rejecting your claim. However, this mustn’t exceed 60 days from the receipt of your car accident claim.
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Paying Your Settlement Amount
Finally, suppose the insurance company accepts your claim. Then, they have ten days to pay the agreed sum. If the insurer rejects your claim, you may have to file a lawsuit. But, conversely, you can appeal the denial with further evidence.
Georgia Car Accident Lawsuit Statute of Limitations
Knowing the Statute of Limitations is vital as it limits the period within which civil litigants can bring cases to court. In Georgia, the statutory period is two years for car accident claims. Missing this deadline is a bad idea.
If you file a case out of time, the defendant will inform the court of your default. Then, the court will deny your car accident claim for damages. The Judge will only extend the statutory period in rare cases. So, it’s best to remember this date when negotiating settlements.
Let an Auto Accident Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia, Help You Get Maximum Compensation
Have you been in an Atlanta car accident? Do you think you aren’t responsible for the crash? Then, you need the best Georgia personal injury lawyers on your side. The Weinstein Firm has helped Atlanta accident victims for decades. We’ve won significant settlements for our clients in record time. So, it’ll be best to call us today for a FREE consultation.
