How long the car accident claim process is depends on a few factors, but it generally takes between a month and multiple years to resolve. The severity of your injuries, your recovery timetable, the at-fault parties’ insurance status, and the insurance company’s approach to your claim may affect your case timeline.
Since a personal injury claim can be a lengthy process, you may want to have a Denver car accident lawyer help, so you can move on with your life. You will receive regular updates from your personal injury attorney—otherwise, you won’t have to stress or worry about your case.
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What Determines How Long the Car Accident Claims Process Takes?
A few variables can influence how long your car accident claim takes, some of which include:
How Straightforward Your Insurance Options Are
The car accident claims process may be slightly (or significantly) more complicated if:
- The at-fault driver lacks insurance (in which case a Colorado uninsured driver accident lawyer can help you)
- A third party, like an employer or business, shares fault for the accident
- Multiple insurance companies are responsible for your losses
Car accident attorneys are used to complex and non-traditional insurance claim processes. However, dealing with multiple insurance companies could be daunting for the typical accident victim. Plus, more insurance providers can mean more potential complications and a longer claims process.
Whether the Insurance Companies Respond to Your Claim in Good Faith
One or more insurance companies may attempt to withhold financial compensation from you, so they can save money. Some ways an insurance adjuster might try to undermine your claim include:
- Extending a lowball settlement offer, as insurers know many accident victims are concerned about financial losses, uncertain of their case value, and vulnerable to the temptation of a quick settlement
- Delaying the processing of your claim, which could make the lowball settlement offer even more enticing
- Alleging you caused the accident, which may prompt a claim denial
- A generally uncooperative attitude toward your claim
Experienced lawyers have no problem dealing with insurance companies’ bad faith, as they regularly encounter these challenges. However, insurance companies’ lack of cooperation may cause the claims process to take longer.
Whether You Choose to Sue After the Car Accident
Filing a personal injury lawsuit may be an option after your car accident. This action may mean transitioning from the claims process to the legal process. Suing generally means your car accident case will take longer (especially if it goes to trial), but there can be several benefits to filing a lawsuit.
We do not have a crystal ball that can reveal exactly how long your case will take. However, an experienced car accident attorney can provide a calculated estimation of your case timeline. While lawyers know better than to guarantee such timelines (and know that such timelines change), you may benefit from having a rough idea of how long the car accident claims process may take.
How Your Auto Accident Lawyer Will Work to Resolve Your Claim as Soon as Possible
An attorney will help resolve your case as soon as possible by getting to work immediately. Some of the duties they will handle on your behalf are:
Determining Whose Negligence Caused Your Car Accident
Investigating and documenting your auto collision requires urgency. The weight of the evidence may determine who ultimately pays for your losses, so your lawyer must secure evidence promptly. Such evidence may include:
- A copy of the police report from the accident
- Traffic camera footage
- Accident scene photos
- Witness statements
- Accident reconstruction
Of course, this requires you to take swift action in finding your Colorado car accident attorney. You won’t have to delay your recovery because you’re pursuing accident-related evidence. Your lawyer will handle your case while you focus on treatment and healing.
Obtaining All Documentation of Accident-Related Damages
Knowing that one or more insurance companies (and anyone else liable for your accident) may contest your damages, your lawyer will pursue all relevant documentation including:
- Detailed diagnoses of physical injuries, psychological distress and trauma, emotional anguish, and other conditions resulting from the accident
- Images of injuries such as X-rays, photographs, CT scans, and MRIs
- Medical bills
- Repair estimates for your vehicle and any other property damage expenses related to the collision
Attorneys are comprehensive when documenting their client’s damages, so allow a lawyer to start detailing your economic and non-economic harm today.
Demanding a Fair Settlement from Insurers
Even if an insurance company knows it owes you compensation, that insurer may make your lawyer fight for it. Negotiating is a critical aspect of a personal injury lawyer’s job, so they will have no issue demanding fair compensation from liable insurers.
Leading Any Legal Proceedings on Your Behalf
Should you choose to sue an at-fault driver, an insurance company acting in bad faith, or another liable party, a lawyer’s familiarity with car accident lawsuits will be a welcome benefit. They can ensure you meet the statute of limitations (CO. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-101) and any other important deadlines.
Securing Fair Financial Compensation for the Victim Is the Goal of Every Car Accident Claim
Getting you fair compensation is our firm’s mission. To get money for you, we must know about all your financial and non-financial losses. We may find you deserve compensation for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Healthcare costs
- Vehicle repairs
- Vehicle replacement, if it was totaled
- Repair or replacement of personal items, like clothing and electronics, that were damaged in the motor vehicle accident
- Pain and suffering
- Mental health services
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
We know you want to complete your car accident case, receive the compensation you deserve, and close this chapter in your life as soon as possible. We will work hard to resolve your case promptly and without any unnecessary delays.
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Call Matlin Injury Law Today for Your Free Consultation About Hiring a Colorado Car Accident Attorney
At Matlin Injury Law, we have recovered over $25 million for our clients, and our lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience in helping car accident victims get the justice they deserve. To learn more about what to expect from the claims process and how we’ll help, check out our video library created for accident survivors like you.
Better yet, talk to us about your case. Call Matlin Injury Law today for your free, no-obligation consultation about hiring a Colorado car accident attorney.
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