How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Case in North Carolina?
There is no specific timeline for a car accident settlement in North Carolina. While this uncertainty can be stressful for auto accident victims who are struggling economically, rest assured that your car accident lawyer at Riddle & Brantley will leave no legal avenue unexplored in making sure your case is resolved as efficiently as possible.
We understand the hardships of dealing with unexpected medical bills, lost wages, and painful injuries. Our skilled legal team has decades of experience negotiating fair settlements on behalf of car accident victims who are burdened with unforeseen expenses.
Let’s take a look at factors that can influence how long it takes to settle a car accident claim in North Carolina.
Every Car Accident Claim is Unique
Every motor vehicle accident claim is different. There are a variety of factors that can influence the length of time it may take to reach a settlement with the at-fault party.
Here are some of the most important variables that will affect or possibly extend the settlement process in a car accident injury claim:
- The severity of injuries sustained — Car crashes can result in serious bodily harm – the extent of which can impact the settlement timeline. Those who suffer catastrophic injuries and incur high medical bills will likely have a longer waiting period, as insurance companies are always looking to deflect liability and minimize payouts. Settlement negotiations can drag out for months if they refuse to pay fair reparations for your losses.
- Recovery period — In some car accident claims, a car accident attorney will want to ensure that clients have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), as this provides a clear idea of total medical and hospital expenses. If it takes 6 months to fully recover and heal from your injuries, this can delay the settlement process. Once the claim is settled, there will be no more opportunity to seek compensation for ongoing healthcare expenses.
- Multiple parties involved — The more complex the claim, the longer it can take to resolve. If the auto accident involved more than one liable party, which is not uncommon, this can entail extra legwork and documentation, potentially prolonging settlement negotiations.
- Issues of liability — Insurance adjustors will always search for evidence that suggests you were at fault for the crash, or contributed to it in some way. If eyewitness testimony or other factual evidence bolsters their contentions, this may also draw out the settlement process.
The settlement negotiation process is always faster in injury claims where undisputed evidence of negligence is uncovered. Our dedicated attorneys investigate each car wreck claim thoroughly, with a view toward collecting valuable evidence as our clients recover.
Demand Package & Negotiations
Few North Carolina car accident cases go to trial. And if a formal lawsuit is not filed, claims are often settled within 6-14 months once the insurance company receives the demand package. The demand package outlines the extent of all medical bills, income loss, and others costs related to the accident claim. Our attorneys make sure that all records and expenses are properly accounted for before compiling and sending the package.
Negotiations for a car accident settlement typically begin 30-60 days later, and can last anywhere from several weeks to a number of months. At Riddle & Brantley, our top priority is protecting your rights and trying to recover the highest settlement possible.
Are Quick Car Accident Settlements a Good Idea?
A quick car accident settlement may seem tempting when you are financially strapped, but these first offers from insurance companies are usually “lowball” amounts that fall short of your actual injuries and losses.
Your car accident attorney can help you determine whether a settlement offer is fair or inadequate, and provide an educated estimate on the true value of your injury claim. Even with capable legal counsel working on your behalf, it is ultimately your decision to make. If the settlement offer is too low, your lawyer will work tirelessly to secure the money damages to which you are rightfully entitled.
Trusted North Carolina Car Accident Lawyers
Justice Counts for car accident victims in North Carolina, and we are ready to advocate for those in need. While timelines for settlement negotiations and resolution can vary, we tailor our approach to ensure clients obtain the justice they deserve as quickly as possible.
For a FREE case review with an experienced North Carolina car accident lawyer, please call 1-800-525-7111. The case evaluation is free, and there are no attorney fees unless we secure compensation for your claim.