How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take in Florida?

Car accidents are traumatic and devastating events that can have a life-changing impact on people in the Tampa Bay area or anywhere else they occur. The experience only gets more stressful once the vehicle repair bills, medical bills, and other expenses start to pile up.

Car insurance is supposed to be there to cover these costs, but the time between filing your claim and receiving your settlement can be notoriously long. What’s more, auto insurance carriers have an incentive to minimize payouts. This can not only reduce the amount you receive, but lengthen the amount of time it takes to get your settlement.

Many people who are involved in car accidents want to know how long it will take for their case to be settled. The following overview will provide in-depth information on the factors that determine the length of the settlement process, and how a qualified attorney can help.

How long does a car accident settlement take in Florida?

There is no standard timeline for personal injury cases. Car accident settlements can take anywhere from a few months to a few years or longer depending on the circumstances of the individual case.

The settlement time and amount for individual car accident cases can depend on the following:

• The severity of your injury: While severe injuries can increase the validity of a claim, it also means medical providers will need more time to determine the extent of injuries and how long it can take to recover and reach maximum medical improvement.
• The extent of vehicular and property damage: Similarly, the more extensive the damage in the accident, the more time it can take to investigate and determine the cost of the damage and how much it will take to repair or replace the vehicle or other property.
• Who is responsible for the accident: Florida is a no-fault state, which means that both parties in an accident file a claim with their insurance and will receive personal injury protection for medical expenses. Even in a no-fault state, the insurance companies and potentially law enforcement will still investigate to determine the responsible party in the accident. This can have a significant effect on how long the claim process takes, the amount of a potential settlement, and if there is any criminal or civil liability.
• Your particular insurance company: Although auto insurance adheres closely to state laws and regulations, different companies have different internal policies and resources. Some carriers may perform more thorough investigations, or they can be backlogged in their claims processing. These and other factors can significantly impact the length of the settlement process.
• If the insurance companies are being cooperative: Cooperation can depend on the specifics of the case, the individual claims adjustor, and whether or not you have legal assistance. This not only applies to your insurance carrier, but the carrier of the other party as well.
• The amount of coverage you have: In addition to the level of injury and property damage, the amount of scrutiny your claim receives from your insurance provider can also depend on your specific insurance policy, the amount of coverage you have, and your deductible.
• What the other party’s insurance company covers: The other party’s insurance can also play a role in how long your settlement takes and the potential amount you receive. For example, if the other party has limited coverage, it could potentially increase the chances of legal action to cover medical costs or property damage.

Consulting with a car accident attorney will help you get a better grasp on what you can expect to happen in your case and approximately how long your case might take.

How an Attorney Can Help

Many people who have been through a traumatic and difficult car accident will take the first settlement that an insurance company offers. Although accepting this initial settlement may seem like the easiest and quickest course, it might not be the amount you deserve. Additionally, many find the settlement amount does not completely cover all medical and repair bills.

Working with an experienced car accident attorney will not only help you understand what you can expect during the settlement process, but it will also help you get the compensation you deserve. Knowledgeable car accident attorneys know how insurance companies work and will negotiate and fight for you to get a fair settlement from your car accident.

Get the Help You Need After a Tampa Bay Car Accident

At Hartpence Law, we understand the anxiety and stress that comes with dealing with insurance companies that don’t want to give you the settlement that you deserve. With our experience working with car accident cases, we know how to deal with and work with insurance companies to get you the compensation that you deserve.

We will work tirelessly to get you the settlement you’re entitled to as quickly as possible, without settling for less. Call us today for your free consultation. We do not charge for consultations and we work on a contingent fee basis. There are no fees or costs for you unless we win. Contact us today to discuss your car accident case.

If you or someone you love was involved in a car accident, call us at (855) 680-4911 or schedule a free consultation.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not create an attorney/client relationship.