How long does car accident settlement take?

If you were injured in a car accident, getting proper medical, filing one or more insurance claims, and filing a personal injury lawyer in Fresno, CA can often be a complicated process. Some car accident cases settle quickly, while others may take more than a year or several years. This guide provides information about various aspects of a car accident settlement and factors that can explain how long it can take to settle your car accident claim. Talk to a car accident lawyer today for more general legal information or specific information about your case.

Steps for a car accident settlement

If you have been hurt in a car accident, you are likely to experience some complications beforehand for your loss. Many different things must happen before you can get your worthy money. Accidents for a car accident settlement begin at the accident site, and the rest occurs in the days and weeks following the accident. The following steps are in chronological order, but not strictly. Some of the tasks you do may overlap or be in a slightly different order.

Gather information on the location of the accident

If you are physically capable, then you need to collect as much information as possible about the scene of your car accident. First, pay attention to the make, model, and license plate number of vehicles. You should also obtain name and contact information for all drivers and occupants involved in the accident, as well as relevant insurance information. Photographic evidence can be valuable, so use your cell phone to snap some photos of property damage, look at any hazards, and any injuries caused by the accident.

Seek medical treatment for your injuries.

If you were involved in a serious car accident, potential emergency response teams showed up at the location of the accident and took you to the nearest emergency room. If you were lucky enough to walk away from an accident, you still need to get a doctor checked for common car accident injuries. Some injuries do not show symptoms for hours or days after the accident, so it is important to have documentation as soon as possible later. Car accidents can also cause emotional trauma, so visiting a mental health professional can be a part of your medical treatment.

File an insurance claim under your PIP policy

Florida is a no-fault insurance state requiring people with registered vehicles in personal injury prevention (PIP) coverage. After a car accident, your first step to receiving compensation for damages related to your injuries is to file a claim under your PIP policy. Until you meet your PIP policy or exceed the limit, you cannot exit the system without fault, which is not difficult when a serious accident occurs.

File an insurance claim with a default driver's insurance carrier

When you exceed your PIP coverage limit, the next step in your car accident settlement is to at least make a claim with the driver's insurance carrier that the driver is expected to pay under the bodily injury liability (BIL) policy. If more than one driver was involved, you would have to file a claim with each of their carriers. In this event, the driver involved in the accident does not have auto insurance or does not have sufficient auto insurance, or the driver has left the scene of the accident, you will have to file a claim with your carrier when the price is low.

Research law firms and evaluate your case

If the driver's insurance company accidentally accepts your claim, your car accident settlement may be quick. Nevertheless, it is unlikely. Insurance companies continue in business by paying every claim that comes their way. It is more likely that they will offer you an outrageously low offer or reject your claim.

In these cases, you need to consult a personal injury lawyer in Fresno, CA as soon as possible. Do your homework and find a reputable law firm or seek a referral from a trusted friend, family member, or colleague. During a free consultation, the lawyer will evaluate the feasibility of your claim and advise you on the best course of action for your circumstances.