How Long Will It Take for My Car Accident Injury Claim?

When you’ve been seriously injured due to the negligence of another party, it makes sense that you’d want to settle your personal injury claim as soon as possible. You may have unpaid bills and expenses that you want to cover, and you deserve some compensation. Beyond that, a settlement provides a sense of closure so that you can move forward after such a traumatic event.

It’s not uncommon to wonder how long it will take to settle a car accident injury claim. Unfortunately, there is no concrete answer. Every case is different. But there are some factors that influence the amount of time you may have to wait before your case is complete and a few ways to speed up the process.

Factors that Impact How Quickly a Car Accident Case Will Settle

It’s important to remember that no two cases are the same. But there are several factors that can impact how quickly your car accident claim will settle.

Reporting Your Claim Timely

According to Mississippi law, if a crash involves property damage of $500 or more or results in injuries or death, it must be reported to the authorities by the “quickest means of communication.” Even if it wasn’t reported timely, you have three years in Mississippi to file a lawsuit after an accident. But, if you wait this long to file a claim, the insurance company is likely to deny it due to a lack of evidence, and you’ll need to fight for your rights.

The Extent of Your Injuries

It can be difficult to know the full extent of your injuries or how much future care you’re going to need shortly after an accident. If you’ve been seriously hurt, it’s going to take some time for your condition to stabilize, which is referred to as “maximum medical improvement.” Once you reach this point, it will be easier to estimate your damages.

Questions of Liability

Your case can be delayed if there are any disagreements about who was responsible for the accident. Mississippi follows a pure comparative negligence standard, meaning you can still recover damages if you were partially at fault, but your reward will be reduced by your percentage of fault. These questions and arguments about fault and damages can slow down a case, particularly if the decision must be made by a judge or jury.

Time to Gather Records

Once you reach medical stability, all of the bills and medical records must be obtained. These records document how much has been spent on your medical treatment as well as help determine a figure for future medical care and any lost wages. The timetable to gather these records varies depending on the circumstances.

Problems With the Insurance Company

Some insurance companies are harder to deal with than others. And, the more severe the accident, the longer it’s going to take to settle because insurance companies will either delay or attempt to settle for much less than your case is worth. Working with a car accident lawyer can be beneficial in navigating this process.

How to Speed Up Your Car Accident Injury Claim

If you are seriously hurt, there may not be any benefit in speeding up your claim. You must be medically stable to settle a case, and a quick settlement isn’t likely going to give you what your case is worth. That said, here are a few ways to ensure your case settles as soon as possible when the timing is right.

• Go to the doctor – Get medical care as soon as possible after an accident, even if you don’t feel injured. The medical documentation of your injuries is vital to your claim.
• Follow directions – Follow the doctor’s recommendations when it comes to medical treatment and any work restrictions.
• Keep detailed records – Start your own file and diary that documents your medical appointments, expenses, missed days from work, and pain levels. This will help tremendously when it comes time to settle or litigate your case.

Working with an Experienced Mississippi Car Accident Attorney

A final factor that can impact how long it will take to resolve your car accident injury claim is whether or not you have a qualified personal injury attorney in your corner. The right car accident lawyer will fight for your interests and ensure you receive full and fair compensation when the time is right.

At Mississippi Car Accident Attorney, we are dedicated to delivering the information car accident victims need so that they can make informed decisions about their future. If you’ve been injured in an accident, you deserve quality representation and the most positive outcome possible.