After “What is my case worth?” the most common question Caruso Law Offices receives is “How long will my car accident case take?” We understand that you are anxious to collect your settlement check, pay off your medical bills, and make up for your lost income. Car accident cases can take anywhere from a few months to a year or longer to resolve. An experienced Albuquerque auto crash lawyer from our law firm can review your situation and explain how long your particular case may take.
The Claims Process
Before we can answer how long your case may take, it’s vital that you understand all of the steps involved in the claims process. These include:
- Reporting the accident – After the car accident, you report it to the at-fault driver’s liability insurance provider. The insurance company assigns a claims adjuster to handle the claim.
- Investigation – The claims adjuster will likely call you and ask for more details about the accident. Be careful about what you say here because the adjuster will try to use anything you say against you to deny or devalue your claim.
- Evidence gathering – The insurance adjuster may conduct a cursory investigation by reviewing the accident report and interviewing witnesses. The adjuster will also view the damage to the vehicle and any photos of the accident scene. If you have a car accident lawyer, they can conduct their own investigation and gather additional evidence to support your claim.
- Demand for compensation – Your car accident lawyer can prepare a demand letter that states how much compensation you are seeking to resolve your claim.
- Negotiations – The insurance company may attempt to offer a fast or low settlement. Discussing your car with a car accident will ensure the insurance company doesn’t try to low-ball you and you’ll receive the compensation you deserve.
- Lawsuit – If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver. If this is necessary, several additional steps will be involved in the litigation process.
Factors that Can Affect How Long Your Case Takes
Every car accident case is different, so each one may take a different amount of time to resolve. Some of the factors that can affect how long your case may take to resolve include:
- The nature and severity of your injuries
- How long it takes you to reach maximum medical improvement
- Whether the insurance company is disputing liability
- The length of settlement negotiations
- Whether your case is resolved through a settlement or trial
The best way to determine how long your specific case may take to settle is to contact an experienced car accident lawyer who can review your case and give you a better idea about its potential timing.
The Benefits of Waiting to Settle Your Car Accident Case
While we understand that you are anxious to settle your case, there are benefits to waiting until your case can be fully developed. Your car accident lawyer will want to ensure that you are fully compensated for all of your accident-related losses, including those you may incur in the future. You could receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including past, current, and future medical bills
- Lost income and any reductions in your long-term earning capacity
- Fair costs to repair or replace your vehicle
- Physical impairments and disabilities
- Pain and suffering
- Mental distress
Once you settle your claim, you cannot go back to the negotiating table, so it’s important that your settlement fairly compensate you.
Expedite Your Claim with an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer in Albuquerque
Caruso Law Offices can protect your legal rights and fight for your financial recovery. Contact us for a free consultation.