How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim?
When you’ve been involved in a car accident, there are multiple things you can find yourself dealing with. From physical injuries to lost time at work and damage to your vehicle, there are a lot of elements to address and an increased amount of stress to go along with them. After a car accident, one of the ways you can seek to resolve the situation is to negotiate a settlement with the responsible party’s insurance provider. But how long does this process take?
If you have been in a car accident and need help now, reaching out to an experienced attorney is your best option. I have been serving the needs of individuals and families in the greater Janesville, Wisconsin, area for years, and I am ready to work with you to pursue the most favorable outcome available in your case. If you are in Janesville, Beloit, or anywhere throughout Rock County, contact me at the Paul Benson Law Firm today to schedule a consultation.
Steps Involved in a Car Accident Claim
Immediately after you have been in a car accident, your priority should be to make sure you and everyone else involved in the accident get to safety and are analyzed for injuries. After everyone’s physical condition has been determined, there are specific steps to follow to put yourself in a position to build a strong accident claim, including:
Contacting law enforcement and insurance providers to notify them of the accident.
Gathering as much documentation and evidence at the scene as possible (this can include contact information for all parties involved, police reports, witness statements, and photos from the scene).
Contacting an attorney to help you pursue compensation (your attorney can help you assess the worth of your claim based on any physical injuries and property damage, write a demand letter requesting the amount of compensation you require, and negotiate to seek a settlement).
One important factor to take into account is the statute of limitations on filing an accident claim. Under Wisconsin law, you have a three-year period to file a car accident claim to seek compensation for injuries or property damage.
Car Accident Claim Settlement Timeline
There is no simple answer to give regarding the length of time a car accident settlement can take. Due to the variety of variables involved in each accident — and the fact that every car accident is unique — there is no set amount of time. Generally speaking, however, car accident claims are often settled anywhere between nine to 18 months. It should be noted that this is a general time frame, and your claim could be settled in a matter of weeks or perhaps years.
Strategies to Help Move the Process Along
There are some ways you can help keep the process moving, such as making sure you stay organized with your documentation and communicating promptly. Hiring an experienced car accident attorney will also help keep the process on track and moving forward.
Reasons Why You May Wish to Extend the Process
Though it is normally preferred to get the settlement process over with as soon as possible, there are times when it would benefit you to extend the process. If the insurance provider is trying to lowball you with insufficient settlement offers, you owe it to yourself to do what is necessary — including taking legal action — to pursue the rightful amount of compensation you deserve for your claim.
Don’t Pursue Your Claim Alone
The aftermath of a car accident can leave you feeling pretty low. Medical bills, lost wages, and damage to your car can all create instant financial strain. With so much going on at once, the last thing you need to do is add the stress and complication of attempting to handle your accident claim on your own. By turning to a knowledgeable car accident attorney, you can put your claim in skilled hands while you focus on putting your life back in order.
At the Paul Benson Law Firm, I am dedicated to helping people seek the fair compensation they deserve after suffering damages in a car accident. I have the experience and insight to help you determine the best course of action and follow the appropriate steps to reach a satisfying resolution. If you are looking for guidance or legal representation after a car accident in Janesville, Beloit, or anywhere in Rock County, Wisconsin, contact me today to schedule a consultation.