You may be eligible for financial compensation if you were injured in a car accident and the other motorist was at fault. A successful claim will ensure you recover damages for medical expenses, property damage, and pain and suffering. However, depending on the circumstances of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and other factors, reaching a settlement can take anywhere from a few months to several years. During this time, the medical expenses associated with your injuries may accumulate, which can be a significant financial burden.
While some car accident cases are more straightforward and a settlement can be reached in a timely manner, the more complicated the case, the longer it may take to settle. The following factors may cause delays in the settlement process:
As tempting as it may be to accept an insurance company’s initial settlement offer, particularly when it sounds like a significant amount of money, it is important to understand that an initial offer rarely covers all of the costs associated with the accident. You may have long-term medical expenses, and an initial settlement will not be enough to cover these ongoing expenses. In addition, you may not be fully aware of the severity of your injury when an initial offer is presented. If you accept the offer, you cannot request additional compensation.
There is no clear-cut answer to this question since every case is different, and certain factors can make the settlement significantly more time-consuming. However, once you and the insurance company have reached a settlement agreement, it generally takes four to six weeks for you to collect your payment. You will be required to sign a release form stating that you agree to the settlement terms and that you release the driver from further liability for your injuries. Once the insurance company receives the release form, they will issue you a check.
If you were injured in a car accident, contact our Macon car accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 478-254-2007 or contact us online. Located in Macon, Georgia, we serve clients in Savannah, Albany, and Atlanta.
Facing the aftermath of a serious accident can be overwhelming. Before you speak with the insurance companies, make sure you schedule a free consultation with the Macon personal injury lawyers at Childers & McCain. We can protect your rights while anticipating the insurance company’s tactics to make sure you get the full compensation you deserve. You don’t have to navigate this tough road alone – let our team of professionals help you move forward.