There is no set time limit for an injury claim. The duration of each case varies based on several factors, which may differ from case to case. Generally, resolving a case that does not go to trial may take anywhere between six months to a year.
Our auto accident lawyers in South Bend are prepared to help you during the complex legal process, starting from the moment you file a claim against a negligent driver. With decades of experience helping injury victims like you, our attorneys are ready to help you maximize your compensation with no upfront costs to you.
The consultation is free, and we do not get paid unless we win.
Is the Insurance Company Cooperating During Negotiations?
Settling a claim usually requires a lot of negotiation between injury victims and the insurance company representing the at-fault driver. When you hire an attorney committed to recovering full compensation, it may take time to get the insurance company to make an offer your lawyer is willing to accept. It is important to be patient because you want to make sure you recover full compensation for your damages.
Generally, settlement negotiations kick-off after the injury victim’s attorney sends a demand letter stating his or her expectations for compensation. The letter usually has a time limit for the liable party to respond with their own settlement offer, which is almost always far less than the value of a claim.
Even if the insurance company does cooperate, it may take several months before each side can reach an agreement.
Filing paperwork, gathering other evidence (medical records, repair bills, etc.) to help prove you have a valid case may take time as well.
Patience During the Process is Important
Despite settlement negotiations taking time, it is important to be patient and trust the process. The insurance company’s first few offers are probably not going to be anywhere near enough to cover the full value of your claim.
While it may be difficult to stay patient while your medical bills continue piling up, our attorneys are prepared to help you stay out of financial trouble while we pursue a settlement. For example, we may be able to help you get your doctor to sign a letter of protection to avoid having your medical bills sent to collections or from incurring late fees.
Why the Process May Be Delayed
Unfortunately, there may be some factors that could delay settlement negotiations and a potential agreement. For example, it may take several months for you to reach maximum medical improvement. Considering how medical costs can pile up during that time, it would not be a good idea to settle the claim until you know how much it will be worth once you are in a better position medically.
Additionally, there may be disputes about liability for your damages. If the other driver is denying fault for the accident, you may need to gather more evidence, which could delay the negotiations until you have concrete proof of the other driver’s negligence.
How Long Should I Wait Before Filing a Lawsuit?
While settlement negotiations may take time, there is a point when injury victims may need to begin considering whether to file a lawsuit to get the compensation they need. This is mostly because of the statute of limitations which would bar you from seeking compensation more than two years after the crash.
As the clock may be ticking on your claim, it is important to speak to a licensed lawyer as soon as possible after the crash to try and negotiate a settlement. Our attorneys understand that there is a time limit and know when to file a lawsuit if the liable insurance company is refusing to cooperate.
Get Help from an Experienced Lawyer. Call Us Today
Negotiating a settlement with the liable insurance company may be a long process that should be done with help from a knowledgeable attorney.
At Pfeifer, Morgan & Stesiak, our lawyers have decades of combined experience negotiating injury claims on behalf of our clients and have a track record of success recovering millions in compensation.
We offer a free consultation and do not charge you anything up front. There are no fees unless we win.
Call us today at (574) 444-0741.
