How Long does it Take to Settle a Car Accident?
There is no certainty of how long it takes to settle a car accident case. There are too many variables to know when your case will resolve.
What Determines How Long Your Case Will Take?
Several factors can affect how long it takes to settle your car accident case. For example, a case may take longer than is typical if:
- There is a dispute over who’s at fault or liable for the accident.
- Liability for the accident involves multiple parties.
- An insurance company, defendant, or attorney acts in bad faith.
- The specific details of an accident are unclear.
- Settlement negotiations are not speedy.
- The case must go to trial.
Your lawyer’s performance may also have some bearing on your case’s speed. This is especially true of settlement negotiations.
What do Car Accident Settlements Cover?
Car accident settlements can cover the following types of losses:
Professional Damages
Professional damages may include:
- Diminished earning capacity
- Temporary or permanently lost income
- Restricted hours
- Forced job change
- Loss of productivity
- Loss of professional fulfillment
We will seek coverage of any professional damages that you have.
Medical Costs
Covered medical costs may include:
- Ambulance transport
- Emergency care
- Hospitalization
- X-rays
- CT scans
- MRIs
- Medication
- Surgery
- Doctor’s office visits
- Rehabilitative services
We pursue coverage of all medical costs after your car accident.
Pain and Suffering
Pain and suffering can cover:
- Mental anguish
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as explained by Mayo Clinic
- Accident-related anxiety
- Depression
You may receive coverage for costs related to pain and suffering. This includes but is not limited to the cost of counseling for trauma.
Property Damage
A settlement can cover damage to your vehicle. It may also award you for damage to any personal property damaged because of the accident.
Why do We Pursue Settlements?
We generally pursue settlements because they can be the simplest resolution. As the American Bar Association (ABA) explains, settlements:
- Are a more common outcome to civil cases than trials
- Require mutual agreement between the defendant and plaintiff (you)
- Can occur without you having to file a lawsuit
We may settle a portion of your case, or we may settle the entire case. This can depend on how many defendants are liable for your losses.
What Happens if You do Not Settle?
A settlement may not be possible if:
- The liable party refuses to accept fault.
- The liable party does not agree with your version of your accident.
- The liable party refuses to compensate you fairly.
- Other disputes prevent a settlement.
We pursue compensation through any available means. If a settlement is not possible, we will take your case to trial.
How Can Our Firm Help You?
Our firm is on your side after a car accident. We handle every part of your case, whether it results in a judgment or settlement. Our duties include:
- Gathering and organizing evidence
- Speaking with witnesses
- Speaking with you and your loved ones
- Drafting and filing paperwork
- Completing your case
We protect you from insurance companies, attorneys, and anyone else who could cause harm. We also:
Document Your Losses
Losses will be a critical part of the case. We gather documentation of your losses, which may include:
- Proof of lost income
- Doctors’ assessments
- Medical and photographic images of your injuries
- Testimony from your loved ones
- Testimony from your employer
- Medical bills
- Vehicle repair bills
- An assessment by a mental health professional
Such evidentiary support can be valuable during settlement negotiations.
Interpret Legal Statutes
Rules for insurance claims and lawsuits can be complex. As lawyers, we are familiar with the laws surrounding car accident cases. We interpret legal statutes and insurance-related rules through the lens of your case.
Those who do not hire a lawyer may struggle with the legal aspect of their case. We are here to help.
Value Your Losses
The value of your losses determines fair compensation. We determine the cost of:
- Economic losses
- Non-economic losses
- Current losses
- Future losses
Your settlement may be the final resolution to your accident. We account for every loss you may suffer before we accept a settlement.
What Should You do If You Have Been in a Car Accident?
If you or a loved one has been in a car accident, consider hiring our firm. We will file and advance your case. While we do, you can:
- Rest
- Engage in treatment
- Rehabilitate your injuries
- Receive counseling
- Help an injured loved one
You do not have to worry about your case. We will provide any worthwhile updates. You focus on getting better.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers Today
Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers has secured several multimillion-dollar settlements for our clients. We have more than $200 million in total winnings to our firm’s name. We will fight for you, and we do not get paid unless you do. Do not wait to call, as there may be time-related restrictions on your case.
Call Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today at (337) 284-9548 for your free consultation. The call comes with no obligations.
