Dealing with the aftermath of a car accident can be a real hassle. Juggling insurance companies, medical professionals, and other injured parties seeking claims of their own can just compound an already extremely stressful situation. And there’s no telling how long your claim may take to settle in or out of court. If you have been in a car accident in Riverside, reach out to a Riverside car accident lawyer today.
Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference. They may be able to help you reach your settlement faster or smoother, allowing you to focus on your mental and physical recovery.
What Takes So Long?
Settling a car accident claim in California typically takes anywhere from 6 months to 3 years. A lot of different factors go into the settling of a car accident claim. Since there are so many circumstances that go into a vehicle accident, the situation can be incredibly complex. From the people involved to the conditions of the accident to the results that are found in each independent investigation, all of it works together to determine the outcome of the settlement. Here are some of the different factors that can affect the settlement process:
- Disputing the Facts: Neither side wants to lose the case. Insurance companies want to pay out the least amount possible. Both sides will perform an investigation into the accident and try their hardest to defend the actions of the party they represent. In a perfect world, the facts will speak for themselves. Other times, you need an experienced attorney to fight for the facts at hand.
- Compromise: If both sides are willing to compromise, it moves things along much more smoothly and can result in an outcome beneficial for everybody. But that does not always happen. It is human nature to want to win, especially when you feel like you have been wronged or taken advantage of in some way. Having an experienced attorney who can fight for your side of the argument can change the outcome of the case.
- Worth of Your Case: The more you are asking for in compensation for the accident, the longer it will take to settle. The last thing insurance companies want to do is pay anything to a damaged party. They can drag it out as long as possible. They may be willing to shell out more money and time to defend against a higher settlement.
- Severity of your injuries: The more serious and detrimental your injuries are, the longer the case may take to settle. If your injuries are causing you harsh pain or a permanent disability, fighting your claim in court can take quite a toll on your physical and mental health. It is important that you reach a solid level of medical recovery before you start battling it out in court.
- Proving liability: If liability is easy to prove, the case moves much smoother. But liability is not always easy to pin down. Multiple parties can share the blame for an accident in certain cases. The case may take longer to settle if both parties share liability.
- Caseload: Remember, you are one of many possible car accident claims being processed all at once. If there is a large caseload, it may take a while to get to your claim. Your lawyer will recognize this and do what they can to move your case along. After all, your time is valuable, and you deserve a resolution as quickly as possible.
Most personal injury and car accident claims are settled privately out of court. But that’s not always the case. It is important to know what you could be dealing with if you decide to pursue a lawsuit against the party responsible for your accident. Taking your claim to trial can be very stressful and may not result in the outcome you were hoping for.
FAQs
Q: How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in California?
A: While every car accident claim is different, and there are always circumstances specific to every individual case, the majority of car accident claims in California are settled between 6 months and 3 years. The main factors that influence how long it will take to settle a car accident claim are whether the facts in the case are disputed by either party or if both parties are willing to compromise.
Q: How Long Until I Get My Settlement Check After a Settlement is Reached in California?
A: You will typically receive your first check for a personal injury claim settlement within 6 weeks after the at-fault party receives your release. The check can be held up for a number of reasons out of your control, including bank holidays, insurance company delays, additional payments made to medical programs, or weekends.
Q: How Are Personal Injury Settlements Paid Out in California?
A: Typically, a check will be issued by the insurance company after an investigation is completed and the at-fault driver is found guilty. Once you have signed a release form, the check will be mailed out. Your lawyer will review the check and make sure there are no mistakes, the amount is correct, and all other information is accurate. In California, the insurance company has 30 days to mail the check once a settlement is reached.
Q: What Is the Most a Lawyer Can Take From a Settlement?
A: Most personal injury lawyers in California get a commission of 33% to 40% if they succeed in winning your case. Most personal injury lawyers in California work on a contingency fee basis, meaning that unless they win your case, they do not get paid. These attorneys will not be paid an hourly fee or a retainer. Their money comes entirely out of your settlement.
Retain a Trustworthy Car Accident Attorney
The aftermath of a car accident can be painfully stressful. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be. With the help of a skilled car accident attorney, you can rest easy knowing your claim is in safe hands with someone who knows what they are doing. At My SoCal Lawyers, we are ready to get you the settlement you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
