How Long Does It Take to Settle a Personal Injury Claim?
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One of the most common concerns that individuals have after being injured in an accident is how much time it will take until they are back on their feet. In addition to worrying about physically recovering from injuries, many people often wonder how the accident will affect their financial well-being. As a result, people are often left wondering exactly how long it takes to settle a personal injury case.
Although each person’s case is unique and highly fact-dependent, there are common themes that exist throughout the personal injury claim settlement process. For instance, the claim settlement process often involves back-and-forth communication between the injured individual and an insurance company. Familiarizing yourself with what the settlement process entails can be very helpful after being injured in an accident.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, or if you would like to learn more about settling a personal injury claim, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a free case evaluation with our Austin injury attorneys.
The Injury Claim Settlement Process
After being injured in an accident, the road to settling an injury claim often consists of several important steps. Though the details of each case may differ from person to person, a general framework is discussed below.
Getting Medical Treatment
The first important step after being injured in an accident is receiving medical attention. Seeking prompt medical treatment after being involved in an accident is important not only because it will improve your chances of healing as soon as possible but also because it will prevent stingy insurance companies from contesting any or all of your treatment.
The extent and duration of your treatment will depend on the severity of your accident and resulting injuries. Throughout your treatment, you should consider keeping an organized and detailed record of your doctor’s appointments and progress in recovery. These records can later be used against insurance companies who will try to say that your claim is worth less than it really is.
Communicating with Adjusters
Insurance claims adjusters work on behalf of the insurance company. Their job consists of communicating with an accident victim in order to assess the amount of compensation that should be paid after a person has made a claim on their insurance policy.
Following your accident, a claims adjuster may try to contact you to discuss the circumstances of your injury. It is important to remember, however, that these adjusters work with the insurance company’s best interests in mind. As a result, you should consider consulting with a skilled and experienced personal injury attorney before revealing any information to a claims adjuster.
An experienced attorney will be able to guide you throughout this process and can prevent claims adjusters from twisting your words to the insurance company’s advantage.
Settlements and Negotiations
The settlement and negotiation process typically begins after the injured person has finished receiving medical treatment. In some cases, these discussions can begin prior to the completion of medical treatment, when the injured individual has reached the stage of maximum medical improvement.
Once the settlement process has begun, the attorney representing the injured individual will collect and organize all medical records. This process often takes one to four months, depending on the extent of the injuries and the extent of medical care provided.
The insurance company will also conduct its own investigation. Although some insurance companies move quicker than others, it typically takes several weeks for an insurance company to gather and review the medical records.
Once both sides have collected and reviewed all relevant information, formal settlement discussions can begin. It is important to note that many insurance companies have devised strategies that are meant to drag out or delay this settlement process. Insurance companies may also use tactics that are designed to get accident victims to settle for low amounts.
Consulting with an Attorney
Seeking legal advice throughout the claim settlement and negotiation process can be helpful in many ways. For instance, an attorney who has experience negotiating claims will be able to tell you whether an insurance company is low-balling you.
An attorney will also be able to use professional resources that can help strengthen the value of your claim. Finally, an attorney will be able to build the strongest case possible should you decide to file a lawsuit.
Our Austin Injury Lawyers Will Fight on Your Behalf
At Zinda Law Group, our Austin attorneys have plenty of experience handling and settling personal injury claims. Not only do our attorneys have the desire to assist you following an accident, our team also has the resources necessary to help you build the strongest claim. Our attorneys are here to help you secure fair compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Our firm also believes that an injury victim should never have to worry about being able to afford legal representation. That is why we offer 100% free consultations and why you pay nothing unless we win your case. That’s our No Fee Guarantee.
If you would like to discuss your case with an injury lawyer in Austin, or if you would like to learn more about the personal injury claim settlement process, call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 to receive your free case evaluation.
Meetings with attorneys are by appointment only.
