When you’re involved in a car crash, you want to get back to normal as quickly as possible. What that means depends on the extent of the crash, the circumstances, and whether you’re pursuing a lawsuit. Here’s a timeline of what you can expect if you’re in a car crash.
Settlement
In the case of a minor crash, like a fender bender, the insurance companies will assess the damage and decide on a dollar amount. If there’s no injury, investigation, or lawsuit, this process might take 2-3 days.
When you make an insurance claim for a serious crash, Missouri law requires that the insurance companies start an investigation within 30 days. Once you’ve completed all the paperwork, the insurance company typically has 15 days to accept or deny your claim. However, a verdict is not the end of the settlement. The insurance company and your attorney still need to decide on a precise dollar amount.
A full investigation is typically more intensive and may take several weeks or several months to complete. The important thing is to remain patient and let your attorney handle the negotiating. If you can’t wait for the settlement to clear, you may wish to consult your attorney about financing options, like lien care.
Suit
If your case is severe enough that you and your attorney pursue a lawsuit, then your case will likely take much longer. A personal injury lawsuit may take years to settle.
Lawsuits are complex. There’s a lot to handle between filing with the court, waiting for dates, negotiations, arbitration, and finally receiving a just settlement. The good news is that injured persons who file a lawsuit against an at-fault driver generally receive much larger settlement than those who rely on the insurance coverage alone. That settlement can be invaluable for covering the costs of healthcare and helping you get back to normal.
If you or someone you love suffered serious injuries in a car crash, we are here for you. If you’d like an experienced Missouri personal injury attorney from Kolker Law Firm to evaluate your case, please send us an email or call (314) 684-8285.