How Long Does it Take to Get a Settlement Check From a Car Accident?
Paul Brannon | April 29, 2022 | Car Accident
After a car accident, a primary concern for many victims is receiving a settlement check to cover their damages.
According to Florida insurance law, once you agree to a settlement amount, the insurance company must tender payment within 20 days. However, the time it takes to settle your car accident claim depends on numerous factors, which we will discuss below.
How Long Does it Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in Fort Walton Beach, FL?
Simple car accident cases could settle in just a few months, but complicated cases could take longer to resolve. For example, if you file a car accident lawsuit, it generally takes more than a year for the case to go to trial.
Factors that increase the time it takes to settle a car accident claim include, but are not limited to:
- Sustaining catastrophic injuries and/or permanent disabilities and impairments
- Disputes related to fault, including allegations of comparative negligence
- A family member died due to injuries sustained in the car accident
- The types of damages you sustained
- Multi-vehicle car accidents and accidents involving commercial trucks and rideshare vehicles
- Cases involving government entities
- Allegations of failure to mitigate damages, including delays in seeking medical care
The willingness of the insurance company to negotiate in good faith is also a factor in the settlement process. Some insurance companies are more difficult to work with than others. If an insurance adjuster acts in bad faith, it could take longer for you to receive a settlement check for a car accident.
Each Car Accident Case is Unique, So the Timeline Depends on Your Case
Even though many car accident victims receive their settlement check within a few weeks of settling, each case is different. Therefore, it could take longer for you to receive payment based on the circumstances of your case.
For example, it could take time for your car accident lawyer and the insurance company to agree to the terms of the settlement agreement. Your lawyer wants to ensure that the terms are fair and just.
Furthermore, your car accident lawyer wants to ensure that all legal avenues have been exhausted before you sign a settlement agreement. Signing the agreement releases the at-fault driver, the insurance company, and all other parties from liability for damages. Therefore, signing a settlement agreement ends your right to file a lawsuit seeking more money for a car accident case.
Your car accident attorney will handle many factors that could increase the time it takes to receive a settlement check, such as paying off medical liens and subrogation claims. Without a lawyer to handle these matters, it could take longer for you to receive a check.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident in Fort Walton Beach to Speed Up Your Claim?
After a car accident, you can do several things to protect your right to a fair settlement and speed up the claims process. First, report the car accident to the police. Regardless of the severity of the car crash, you want an official accident report for your insurance claim.
Second, document the accident scene. If possible, take photographs and make a video of the crash scene. Ask eyewitnesses and bystanders for their names and contact information.
Third, seek immediate medical attention. Delays in medical care can hurt your case. In addition, you need medical records to document your injuries and damages.
As soon as possible, notify the insurance company of the accident. A claims adjuster may contact you about your claim.
It is best to talk with a personal injury lawyer before answering questions or providing a statement. The claims adjuster may pressure you to make a statement or answer questions about the collision and your injuries. However, the statements you make could hurt your case.
Hiring a car accident lawyer can help you get your settlement check as quickly as possible. It can also help you receive the most money possible for your claim.
Hiring a Fort Walton Beach Attorney Will Help You Recover the Maximum Compensation for Your Car Accident Claim
The settlement check you receive could be lower if you decide to handle the claim without an attorney. A lawyer gathers evidence to prove fault and liability for a car accident. Your attorney completes the paperwork and guides you through the claims process to avoid mistakes that could hurt your case.
Settling a car accident claim for the maximum compensation possible may involve a great deal of work. You are dealing with trained insurance claims adjusters who work hard to find ways to reduce the money the company must pay to settle a claim.
The insurance company has a team of professionals working to protect its best interest. You deserve to have someone working even harder to protect you. If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Fort Walton Beach, schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
Contact Our Car Accident Law Firm in Northwest Florida
If you need legal assistance, contact the Fort Walton Beach car accident lawyers at Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.
We have two convenient locations in Northwest Florida:
Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Fort Walton Beach Office
975 Mar Walt Dr
Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
(850) 863-5297
Brannon & Brannon Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers – Destin Office
4507 Furling Ln Suite 214
Destin, FL 32541
(850) 790-0243