Being involved in a crash accident can be a traumatic experience. Filing an auto accident lawsuit can help you recover compensation for damages incurred while holding the liable party responsible for their negligence.
One of the most pertinent questions you might have is how long does a lawsuit take for a car accident? While we understand your concern about receiving immediate compensation for your losses, there is no black-and-white answer to this query.
The time it takes for a case depends on several factors, including the nature of the collision, the number of parties involved, the extent of injuries, and whether the case settles out of court or goes to trial. Therefore, it can take anywhere between a few weeks to a year for a lawsuit to conclude.
Gather Evidence
It is vital to collect evidence from the crash site. That will solidify your personal injury lawsuit and enhance the chances of receiving maximum compensation.
Document the accident scene by snapping pictures of the cars from various angles, debris or objects around the crash site or other things you feel might have contributed to the crash.
Ask witnesses to record their statements and note their names and contact details. Obtain a copy of the police report to present to your insurers and try to recover footage of the accident from any surveillance cameras around.
Seek Medical Treatment
Do not delay or avoid visiting a medical professional following the accident. Even if you have suffered minor injuries and feel ok following the accident, you must see a doctor to evaluate your overall health.
Some soft tissue injuries can appear several days or weeks after the accident.
Not documenting your injuries allows the liable party’s insurance adjuster to potentially dispute your claim by stating that they were caused by an unrelated event.
Remember, your medical reports are one of the most essential aspects of the claims process. The extent of your injuries will dictate the value of the compensation you are entitled to receive.
Notify Your Insurance Company
Contact your insurance provider after the car crash while you are at the scene. Your insurance adjuster will investigate the claim by contacting the liable party’s insurance company and seeking reimbursement for damages.
Failing to report the accident to your insurance provider means you will have to pay for all damages out of your pocket, including repair costs and medical treatment.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Your next and most crucial step is to reach out to an experienced and trusted auto accident attorney without delay to initiate the legal process on your behalf. They will gather all files and documents, including your medical records and bills, police report, and other evidence to build a case.
These professionals know the ins and outs of the complex legal process. They will utilize their years of collective experience and skills to negotiate with insurance companies that will try to wrap up the case with lowball settlement offers.
A skilled lawyer will advise you to prevent critical mistakes that could damage your claim while helping expedite the process.
File Your Lawsuit
If the case does not settle out of court, you have the legal right to file a lawsuit. Remember, each state has a statute of limitations during which you must file a lawsuit. Failing to meet the deadline could deprive you of your right to file a claim and recover compensation, no matter how strong your case is.
Therefore, contacting a personal injury attorney without much delay is an indispensable aspect of recovering the deserving compensation amount. Your car accident lawyer will smoothly guide you at each step of the process. They will protect your best interests to help secure the fair value of your compensation.
Final Thoughts
Many car accident cases settle with negotiations. However, not all settlement offers are worthy of acceptance. Accordingly, you must take the matter to the court of law to fight for your right to fair compensation. Knowing the steps involved in pursuing a lawsuit beforehand can prove to be helpful when the unexpected occurs.
