There is no single answer to the question: “how long does an insurance claim take after a car accident?” Each car accident settlement case is completely unique and depends on the circumstances of your specific crash. These circumstances can include the nature of the accident itself, the injuries you’ve sustained and your insurance provider’s approach to settling out of court or in a trial.
However, we can give you some general information about how long personal injury claims such as these usually take. In many cases, car accident victims are able to settle their insurance claims with their own carrier within a few weeks of the crash. However, it can take months in some cases before your car insurance company and the insurance adjusters determines how much they will cover and what they expect you to pay out-of-pocket.
Each Personal Injury Claim is Unique
There is no easy answer to the question of how long does it take before a car accident claim settles. Each personal injury case is unique, and the length of time it can take to resolve your claim will depend on a number of factors, including the nature of the accident, your injuries, and whether or not your insurance company opts to settle out of court or go to trial.
If you are unsure about the status of your auto accident claim or have additional questions, a car accident attorney in Chicago can help. They will be able to guide you through the process and provide personalized legal help based on your unique circumstances. The right attorney client relationship with the right personal injury lawyer could make a world of difference to your potential recovery.
A Car Insurance Claim Can Become Complex
If your claim is more complex or involves injuries that require a longer recovery time, the settlement process may take longer than expected. If you are able to settle quickly, you may be able to avoid the stress and expense of going to court. However, if your case turns into a car accident lawsuit and does go to trial, it could take years to reach a final resolution.
Be Aware of Important Deadlines For Car Accident Cases
There are also some legal deadlines in Illinois that may give you a better idea of your auto insurance claim progression.
For instance, under 215 ILCS 5/154.6, an auto insurance company must provide you with the forms necessary to make a claim within 15 working days of your request. Additionally, if the insurance company delays your property damage claim for more than 60 days, they must provide a written explanation, per Illinois Administrative Code 919.80(b)(3).
Factors that Can Affect Your Case’s Resolution
There are several things that might influence when insurance claims are resolved. These can include the following factors.
The Insurance Companies Involved
The insurance company (or insurance companies) that is involved in your claim can have a significant impact on how long personal injury cases take to resolve. For instance, if the insurance adjuster for the liable insurance company representing the at-fault driver questions or denies your claim, this may drag out the claims process.
Other times, insurance companies employ bad faith insurance practices to deter claimants from recovering compensation. They may deny you coverage, refuse to answer your phone calls, or pressure you into accepting a low settlement.
Additionally, your case’s resolution may be impacted based on whether you are filing a first-party claim or a third-party claim. A first-party claim is one that you file with your own insurance company. A third-party claim is a claim you file with the at-fault party’s insurance company. Sometimes, first-party claims may be resolved more quickly because your insurance company wants to retain your business as a customer.
The Type and Severity of Your Injuries
Car accidents can cause injuries ranging from relatively minor scrapes and bruises to a more severe injury that causes catastrophic impairments. You may not want to settle your claim until you have a full understanding of your present and future medical care and expenses. Once you accept a settlement offer and sign its necessary paperwork, you will not be able to request more money later on––even if your condition worsens and your medical bills continue to pile on.
Therefore, you may have to wait several months to reach maximum medical improvement before you settle your claim. Examples of these types of injuries include:
Fractured or broken bones
Severe lacerations
Organ damage
Spinal cord injuries
Burns
Internal bleeding
Soft tissue injuries, such as whiplash
Other less obvious but equally severe injuries that may have long-term impact on your quality of life after an accident include:
Traumatic brain injury
Psychological injuries, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder
If you have suffered any of these injuries in an auto accident, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. After you have received treatment, you can start working with a personal injury lawyers to file your claim and begin the process of seeking compensation and receiving a fair settlement for all your losses and medical bills now and in the future.
Whether You Have a Car Accident Lawyer
If you try to handle your car accident case by yourself, it may slow down the process of getting money. There are a lot of things you need to do, like filling out forms, collecting evidence, and other things. If you are injured badly or don’t understand how the system works, it might be better if you get a lawyer to help you.
Having a car accident lawyer working for you means these challenging tasks are handled by someone else while you focus on your recovery. With the assistance of an experienced attorney, your claim can be resolved more quickly.
Whether Your Case Goes to Court
If the insurance company denies your claim, you will need to consider your legal options. You may be able to use an alternative form of dispute resolution, such as attending arbitration or mediation. If these options are not available, you may consider filing a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party.
In most situations, in Illinois you have up to two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit under 735 ILCS 5/13-202. If you lost a loved one in a collision, you typically have two years from the date of their passing to file a wrongful death lawsuit, per 740 ILCS 180/.
However, there are some situations that may grant you more or less time to file your lawsuit. For instance, if the at-fault party in your situation is a government entity, you may have a shorter window of time to take action. If you do not file your auto accident case within the state’s statutory deadline, you could be barred from recovering compensation.
Why You Should Resist the Temptation to Settle Too Soon After a Car Accident
If you have been injured in a car crash, it can be tempting to settle your claim quickly so that you can get back to your normal routine. However, settling too soon after an accident could cost you thousands of dollars and leave you struggling with medical expenses and lost wages for months or even years.
A knowledgeable car accident attorney in Chicago can help you determine how long your insurance claim should take and help protect your rights during the settlement process. With their guidance, you may find that going to trial is a better option than settling out of court, especially if the other driver was at fault for the crash.
Overall, it is important to resist the temptation to settle your car accident claim too soon after an accident happened. While settling quickly may seem like the easiest and most convenient option, doing so can leave you exposed to costly medical and other accident related expenses and lost wages for months or even years after the crash.
Work With Experienced Accident Lawyers
To learn more about how long it typically takes for an insurance claim to resolve after a car accident and what steps to take to ensure that your claim is settled fairly, contact a car accident lawyer in Chicago today.
To ensure that your claim is settled fairly, it is important to work with a qualified car accident lawyer who can guide you through the process and help protect your rights.
Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC for Help with Your Case
How long it takes to settle a car accident claim rests on a case-by-case basis. Some claims are resolved within a matter of weeks. Others take much longer. After being injured in a car accident, you may have many questions and concerns regarding your case.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC is ready to help. We provide a free initial consultation to discuss the particular circumstances of your claim. We also handle cases on a contingency-fee-basis, meaning that a lawyer can get to work on your case at no out-of-pocket cost to you.
To begin exploring your financial recovery options and learn about the claim process, call today to get a free consultation.
Questions to Ask in Your Consultation
What is the value of my case?
How long will it take for my case to settle?
What if the other driver does not have insurance?
What if I was partially at fault for my accident?
These are all valid questions that you should ask your attorney during your initial consultation. The answers will help give you a better understanding of what to expect from your car accident case.
The Kryder Law Group, LLC is a personal injury law firm that represents victims of car accidents in Chicago and throughout Illinois. We have a proven track record of success in helping our clients recover the compensation they need to move on with their lives.
If you were suffered personal injuries in a car accident, we encourage you to contact us today for a free consultation. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to help you get the compensation you deserve.
What is the Best Way to Make the Claims Process Faster?
One of the best ways to make the claims process faster and more efficient is to work with an experienced personal injury attorney, such as those at The Kryder Law Group, LLC.
An attorney can help you navigate the legal process, assess your case and determine whether going to trial or settling out of court would be more beneficial. They can also help you negotiate with insurance companies and fight for the maximum compensation possible.
If you were injured in a car accident, we encourage you to contact us today for a free consultation. We will work tirelessly on your behalf to help you get the compensation you deserve.
How to Prevent Delays in Your Car Accident Settlement
There are several steps you can take to help prevent delays in your car accident settlement. These include:
Obtaining the necessary documentation, such as a police report, medical records, and witness statements.
Being clear and concise when communicating with your insurance company about the details of your claim.
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney who can navigate the legal process and help you get the maximum compensation possible.
Filing a lawsuit, if necessary, to force the insurance company to take your claim seriously.
If you were seriously injured in a car accident, it is important to take action quickly to prevent delays in your settlement. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight for the compensation you deserve. To learn more about how to prevent delays in your car accident settlement, talk to an attorney today.
What You Get in a Free Consultation
During your free consultation, you will have the opportunity to discuss your case with an experienced car accident lawyer. This is a chance for you to get answers to all of your questions and concerns. The consultation is also an opportunity for us to determine if you have a case and whether we can help you recover compensation. When you call, you can expect to get:
A free case evaluation and analysis
Information about your legal options and what you can expect from your case
A customized plan of action tailored to the specific circumstances of your claim
Access to resources, such as medical referrals, financial assistance programs, and other services that may be helpful during this difficult time
Answers to your questions about the legal process and how long your car accident claim will take to settle
If you are ready to get started on your car accident claim, contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC today for a free consultation. We look forward to working with you and helping you recover the compensation you need. We understand that this may be a difficult time for you. We are here to help.
How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take to Settle?
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