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Life doesn’t wait for anyone, even after your involvement in a life-altering crash. You have immediate expenses to deal with, from medical bills to lost wages and more, and you need money quickly to handle these matters.
It makes sense that you want to know exactly how long a car accident settlement takes. After all, the sooner the process finishes, the sooner you get the compensation you need to carry onward.
There is no straightforward answer to this question, as the speed of an accident settlement depends on many factors, such as the number of injured victims, the complexity of the crash itself and the different insurance companies at play.
As a South Carolina resident, hiring a Charleston car accident attorney is one of the smartest steps you can take to help your case. Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney answers all of your important questions.
How long does a car accident settlement take? Should you settle your claim early or take it to court? Read on to learn the answers to these questions and more.
What’s the Timeline for a South Carolina Car Accident Injury Claim?
When asking how long do car accident settlements take, it helps to understand the timeline from start to finish.
First, you must file your claim. You have a deadline for filing, too. For most cases, you have until three years after the date of your injury to file. However, some exceptions exist. For example, if you’re injured by an employee of the federal government, you must file your claim within two years.
Immediately after the filing, the following will happen:
- The insurance company or companies involved will investigate the claim.
- Next, there’s a period of collecting and examining evidence.
- Based on evidence, the insurance company or court will determine the at-fault party.
- They also determine the payout amount.
If you’re unsatisfied with the ruling, it is possible to contest it and take the case to court instead of accepting the settlement offer as it is.
Having an attorney isn’t just a good idea; it’s a veritable necessity. A car accident injury attorney ensures that the settlement process goes smoothly and that you have every opportunity to get the maximum compensation for your pain, suffering and injuries.
Evidence Gathering Processes for Car Accident Injury Claims in South Carolina
Your attorney will do the heavy lifting for you when gathering evidence. The process falls into two distinct categories: investigation and discovery.
During the investigation period, your attorney will speak to any witnesses and collect police reports.
During the discovery period, each side will collect evidence to support their position during the court case. This can include:
- Medical records
- Witness statements
- Photos of the scene
- Police reports
- Depositions
- Property damage estimates
You may need other documents, such as health insurance claims. You also want to consult experts, get second opinions and keep detailed records. For example, recording a daily video of the healing process of your worst injuries can give the jury a better sense of just how painful, difficult and disrupting it is for your life.
Of course, collecting this evidence takes a great deal of time and effort. An attorney can handle the matter on your behalf, digging into the details while you focus on recovery.
Should I Settle My Car Accident Claim Early or Go to Trial?
When asking how long it takes to get settlement money from a car accident, keep in mind that you can settle a claim early by taking a settlement offer. There are several reasons for accepting a claim early:
- Getting your settlement money immediately
- Not having to worry about going to court on top of everything else
- Avoiding the expenses of a court battle
However, you should also keep in mind that the first offer you get is also likely the lowest. Insurance companies often lowball these payout estimates on purpose. Even if you don’t take your case to court, having an experienced personal injury attorney on hand gives you power at the negotiating table.
What Happens Following a Settlement for Your South Carolina Car Accident?
After the settlement process finishes, you’ll launch into the next step, which actually gets the money to you. This includes:
- The signing of releases and other documents
- The insurance company issuing a check
- Your attorney depositing your check in an escrow account and paying your liens
- Your attorney deducting legal fees and court costs
- Sending the remaining amount to you via check
In this situation, liens can include outstanding taxes, unpaid child support, medical bills and deductibles that you didn’t have the time or ability to pay off while recovering from your injury.
How long does a car accident settlement take in total? From the moment of the injury to the moment you have a check in your hand, it can take weeks or even months.
Fortunately, an attorney can speed that process up, ensuring that the money gets to your bank account as quickly as possible.
Our Charleston Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
When you’re deep in the aftermath of a life-changing crash, you have more than enough on your plate already. You must worry about physical and mental recovery, all while juggling expensive medical bills. You may even face the possibility of changing career paths if your injuries make it difficult or impossible to return to your current field of employment.
The last thing you need on top of this is the legal weight of your settlement case. Don’t handle the process alone. Instead, reach out to Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney.
How long does a car accident settlement take? With Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney, you won’t have to worry about the answer. No matter how long the process is, our attorneys will stand by your side. @treyhelps
Don’t carry on suffering under the weight of recovering and handling a settlement. Contact Trey Harrell Auto Accident and Personal Injury Attorney today and turn your time, attention and energy toward your healing journey.