At Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A., one of the most common questions our accident attorneys are asked is, “When can I expect a car accident settlement?” Whether you are asking in reference to how long it will take to receive a settlement or how to improve your chances of getting one, we are here to answer this question once and for all.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Insurance Claim?
The state of Florida requires insurance companies to resolve accident claims quickly and efficiently.
Per law, insurance companies have a total of 90 days to process and payout a claim. The clock starts ticking the day the claim is received. In addition, insurance has only 14 days to notify you that your claim has been received, as well as to send you any additional paperwork. Please note that once a settlement is reached, payments must be made within 20 days.
If the insurance company takes longer than 90 days to process and payout your claim, it is best to contact an attorney for help.
How Long Will It Take to Settle a Car Accident Case in Florida?
When an insurance agent and policyholder cannot come to an agreement about the value of a claim, the policyholder may find it necessary to file a lawsuit against the insurance company.
The average time it takes to reach a settlement for a minor injury may sit somewhere between 6 and 9 months. Severe injuries that either (a) take a long time to heal or (b) are not expected to heal completely can push a settlement back.
Other factors that may affect how long it will take to settle your lawsuit include:
- The time it takes for you to heal
- The time it takes to consult experts and specialists
- The time it takes to receive medical charts and documents
- Whether any mistakes were made in the filing of your lawsuit
- What damages you have suffered
It is important to note that a settlement can be reached right up until the verdict is read. Thus, the answer to how long it will take to receive a settlement depends on the circumstances of your case.
How to Improve My Chances of Reaching a Settlement
There is no way to guarantee that your case will resolve with a settlement, but there are ways to improve your chances of reaching one:
- Build a strong, trial-ready lawsuit
- Obtain strong witness and expert testimony
- Hire a lawyer with a track record of success
Essentially, a settlement is much more likely when you have a strong chance of winning a jury verdict. Insurance lawyers only make settlement offers when they think doing so will save their clients time, money, and, sometimes, face. To avoid being shortchanged, it is best to negotiate an offer—never take the first offer the defense puts on the table.
Expediting the Legal Process for Clients in Fort Lauderdale
At Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A., we have had great success in utilizing our legal skills to both maximize compensation and minimize the time it takes to get it. With planning, preparation, and great attention to detail, we take care to avoid making mistakes while compiling your case.
Our attorneys have achieved numerous record-breaking verdicts and settlements over the past 60+ years. We are fully equipped to handle your auto accident case, regardless of its complexity. The sooner you get started, the closer any potential settlement will be.
Contact Schlesinger Law Offices, P.A. online today for a free case review.