How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim?

So, a car slammed into you from behind at a stop light in Columbia, South Carolina. You fractured your wrist and pulled your back. Unable to work and saddled with medical bills, you wonder how long it will take to settle your car accident claim.

There is no single answer to that question, but some common factors affect how long a claim takes, which we outline below. Have a question about a car accident case? Littlejohn Law is standing by to help you. We are pleased to serve the communities of Richland County, Columbia, Allendale, Jasper, Orangeburg, and Hampton.

How Long Does It Take to Settle?

It depends. Some personal injury cases can settle in a few weeks, while others take months. Some of the factors that influence the length of time that the case will take to resolve include:

• the extent of your injuries (severe injuries can take months to heal)

• the treatments you received or are receiving

• the length of time it takes you to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)

• whether liability for the accident is in dispute

• the insurance, in effect

• how busy the court is

• how difficult it is to settle for a fair sum with the insurance company

• whether the case needs to go to court

Littlejohn Law Attempts to Settle Before Filing a Lawsuit

Our car crash attorney will usually attempt to settle the case for a fair amount before going to court. Typically, we will send a demand letter to the liable insurance company. The demand letter includes your medical records, lost earnings information, accident, and injury photos, witness statements, accident reports, etc. Again, we will demand a fair amount to settle the case without a lawsuit.

Will it work? If the insurance company knows its client is clearly wrong, it will likely settle for a fair amount. It may also be encouraged to settle when it knows we have an aggressive and skilled attorney to file lawsuits.

However, sometimes the insurance company will offer too little money and not budge much from their initial offer. When that happens, we may need to go to a jury trial.

How Long Will the Case Take in Court?

It may take a year in South Carolina from the date your attorney files the case. Some insurance companies attempt to delay the trial, meaning your case might not be heard for 18 to 24 months. 90 percent of civil lawsuits in the state are settled before the trial. So, there is a good chance Littlejohn Law can get you money in a settlement sooner than later.

Most auto accident clients want their cases to settle; the sooner, the better. That way, they can get compensation for their ongoing and past medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Speak to Our Columbia Auto Accident Lawyer Now

Were you injured in a car accident caused by someone’s negligence? The Columbia personal injury attorney at Littlejohn Law is ready to fight for you. Contact us now.