How Long Will It Take To Settle An Automobile Accident Claim And Will I Have To Go To Court?

“How long will it take to settle an automobile accident claim?” This is a question that we hear often in our office. “Will I have to go to court?” This is another question that we hear very often from automobile accident victims. Unfortunately, the best answer that we can give to these questions is “it depends.” Each automobile accident case is different with a unique set of facts. It is these facts and circumstances that dictate the length of time it will take to settle a claim or if a case will go to court.

What Elements Affect the Time It Takes To Settle An Automobile Accident Claim?

When we consider the time it will take to settle an automobile accident claim, the first thing we look at is the type of injuries sustained by the claimant. In order for your claim to be complete, your injuries must be properly diagnosed and you must have time for those injuries to heal. Complications with injuries could increase the amount of time your claim will take to resolve; therefore, the attorney will want your doctor to state you have reached “maximum medical improvement” (MMI) before settling the case.

MMI means that you have healed as much as you are going to heal and any injuries that have not completely healed are likely permanent conditions. If your case is settled prior to MMI, you may not receive the full compensation that you deserve.

Another factor that will affect how long it will take to settle an automobile accident claim is the documentation required to prove your claim. The attorney must have copies of all medical bills, medical records, evidence of lost wages and other documents that substantiate your claim. For example, because we cannot control how long it will take for a doctor to dictate reports and those reports to be transcribed, reviewed and placed in your permanent medical record, we cannot give an exact date when the claim will be ready to submit to an insurance company.

The insurance company can also affect the time it will take to settle an automobile accident claim. Some insurance companies process claims much faster than other insurance companies do. Therefore, dealing with a slower insurance company will definitely lengthen the time it will take to settle an automobile accident claim.

Will I Have To Go To Court?

This depends on whether we can settle your claim with the insurance company for a fair and just amount. If the insurance company refuses to settle for an amount that you deserve, we may advise that it is in your best interest to litigate the case. However, most automobile cases settle without the necessity of going to court, as insurance companies do not want to incur additional costs by taking the case to court.

Contact an Experienced Kentucky Automobile Accident Attorney

We’ve Helped Thousands of KY Families, we can help you!

The personal injury attorneys of Musselwhite Meinhart & Staples, PSC have over 50 years of combined legal experience helping injured people. Even though you may feel alone, you are not alone. We can help you receive the compensation you deserve from the negligent driver who caused your injuries. We represent clients in Hardin County, Jefferson County and throughout central Kentucky from our offices in Radcliff and Elizabethtown and Louisville.

Contact us at (270) 351-6069 or 1-800-754-HELP to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. You may also contact our office through our convenient online contact form.