How Long Does It Take to Get Money from A Settlement?

How Long Does It Take to Get Settlement Money from a Car Accident?

Car accidents can cause significant stress, especially when dealing with injuries, medical bills, and property damage. If you’ve been in a car crash, you’re likely wondering, “How long does it take to get settlement money from a car accident?” The answer varies depending on several factors.

Our attorneys at The Weinstein Firm have extensive experience with car accident cases and are here to guide you through the claims process. We’ll cover the key factors that influence how long it takes to settle a car accident claim, the process of pursuing a personal injury claim, and how an Atlanta car accident lawyer can help you get the full compensation you deserve.

How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take to Settle?

In general, car accident claims can be resolved within several months, but complex cases can take years. Most cases settle within 60-90 days after medical treatment is completed, and all necessary documentation is submitted. However, the time frame can vary depending on the specifics of your case.

If your injuries are minor and liability is clear, the process may move quickly, and you could settle within a few months. However, if there are disputes over liability, or if your injuries require long-term medical care, the process may take much longer, potentially lasting over a year or more.

What Impacts the Settlement Timeframe?

Several factors influence how long a car accident claim takes to settle. Understanding these can help you prepare for the process and avoid surprises.

Extent of Damages and Injury Severity

The more severe your injuries, the longer it may take to reach a settlement. If you’ve suffered serious injuries like broken bones, spinal cord damage, or traumatic brain injuries, your recovery may take months or even years. Settling your case before fully understanding the long-term impact of your injuries could result in insufficient compensation.

To maximize your claim, it’s essential to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before negotiating a settlement. MMI occurs when your condition has stabilized, and further treatment is unlikely to improve your injuries. Only then will your lawyer be able to accurately calculate your medical bills and lost wages.

Recovery Time

The time it takes you to fully recover from your injuries plays a significant role in how quickly your case settles. If you require ongoing medical treatment or rehabilitation, you won’t want to settle your case prematurely, as future medical costs need to be included in the claim. A thorough review of your medical records is necessary to determine when you’ve fully recovered or reached MMI.

Disputed Liability

If there is a dispute over who was at fault for the crash, a car accident settlement may take longer. When the at-fault driver or their insurance company denies responsibility or claims you were partially at fault, your lawyer will need to gather additional evidence to prove liability. This may involve reviewing accident reports and consulting with expert witnesses to build a strong case.

Georgia has a modified comparative negligence law, meaning your settlement could be reduced if you share some of the blame for the accident. For instance, if you’re found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. Your auto accident lawyer will work to minimize any claims of shared fault and ensure you receive fair compensation.

Insurance Company’s Willingness to Settle

Insurance companies are notorious for dragging out settlement negotiations. They may delay responding to demand letters or offer low-ball settlement offers in the hopes that you’ll accept less than what you deserve.

The insurance company’s willingness to settle in good faith significantly impacts how long the process will take. If the insurer refuses to make a fair settlement offer, you may need to file a lawsuit and prepare for trial, which could extend the timeframe by months or even years.

Car Accident Settlement Process and Timeline Written in Notebook

The Car Accident Settlement Process

While most cases are resolved through negotiations, some may require litigation. Here’s an overview of the steps involved in settling a car accident claim:

Investigation

After the accident, your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation. This involves gathering police reports, interviewing witnesses, obtaining medical records, and reviewing evidence such as photos or videos from the accident scene. The goal is to establish liability and quantify the extent of your damages.

Demand Letter

Once your lawyer has collected all the necessary evidence, they will draft a demand letter to the at-fault driver’s insurance company. This letter will outline the details of the accident, the extent of your injuries, and the financial compensation you’re seeking for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In Georgia, the insurance company typically has 30-60 days to review the demand letter. During this time, they will review your claim and decide whether to make a settlement offer or dispute your claim.

Negotiation with the Insurance Company

Once the insurance company responds to the demand letter, the negotiation process begins. Both parties will go back and forth until they reach an agreement on a fair settlement. If the insurance company makes a low offer, your lawyer will negotiate for a higher amount. This process can take several weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the insurance company to cooperate.

Insurance companies have up to 60 days to settle a car accident claim after receiving the demand letter.

Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If a fair settlement cannot be reached during negotiations, your lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit. Most car accident cases are settled outside of civil court. Filing a lawsuit can put pressure on the insurance company to offer a better settlement. A lawsuit doesn’t always mean your case will go to trial.

Once a car accident lawsuit is filed, the case enters the discovery period, where both sides exchange evidence and information. This process can take several months, but settlement negotiations continue throughout.

Even after filing a lawsuit, many personal injury cases are settled before trial. The threat of a trial can prompt the insurance company to make a better offer, as they may want to avoid the costs and uncertainty of a courtroom battle. Your lawyer will continue to negotiate with the insurance company during this time, and if an agreement is reached, the case will be settled without going to trial.

When Will I Get Settlement Money from a Car Accident?

Once a settlement agreement is reached, insurance companies in Georgia are required by law to pay the claim within 10 days. The insurance company will send a release form. By signing, you give up the right to sue the other driver. The process of receiving a settlement check generally takes four to six weeks.

Settlement money from a car accident, toy cars crashed with money

What Is the Average Car Accident Settlement?

The average car accident settlement can vary widely, from a few thousand dollars to much larger amounts in cases involving serious injuries. Factors like medical expenses, pain and suffering, and the at-fault party’s insurance limits influence car accident settlements. Skilled legal representation is crucial in obtaining the maximum settlement amount.

How a Lawyer Can Help Car Accident Victims

Hiring an experienced attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of your car accident case.

A personal injury lawyer will:

  • Handle all communications with the insurance company, ensuring that they don’t take advantage of you.
  • Collect and organize all necessary medical records and evidence to support your claim.
  • Negotiate on your behalf to obtain the maximum compensation possible.
  • Advise you on whether to accept a settlement offer or pursue further legal action.
  • Represent you in court if your case goes to trial.

The Weinstein Firm offers free consultations to help you understand your legal rights and evaluate your case. Whether you’re facing severe injuries, disputed liability, or delays from the insurance company, our legal team is committed to securing the compensation you deserve.

Contact Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

The timeline for receiving settlement money after a car accident in Georgia can vary depending on the circumstances of your case. While some cases settle in a few months, others may take longer due to the complexity of the injuries, disputed liability, or the insurance company’s willingness to settle. An experienced Atlanta car accident lawyer can streamline and help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact The Weinstein Firm for a free case evaluation if you’ve been injured in an auto accident. We’ll help you understand the entire process and work tirelessly to secure a fair settlement for your injuries and damages.

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