The aftermath of a car accident can be very daunting. There is the recovery process, and on top of that, victims have to deal with delays in getting compensation. Typically, car accident cases are settled in around 3 months. But this period can be dragged to up to a year or more.
Sometimes, this may be necessary to obtain maximum compensation for your damages. For example, insurance investigations may take weeks or even months. In this article, we will discuss what causes delays in car accident settlements.
1. Arguments About Who Was to Blame
A very common cause of delay is when there is disagreement over who was to blame for the crash. If both drivers blame the other one, or if there is simply not enough evidence like dashcam footage or witnesses, then the insurance companies may take their time to investigate.
They will go through police reports, photos, and statements to work out who should pay. Until they decide that, the claim may remain unsettled.
2. The Severity of Injuries Is Not Yet Known
In most cases, the severity of an injury is not known right away. Some injuries are not so obvious, and others require long-term care. Doctors may take months to determine how serious the injury is and whether it will lead to long-term problems.
That’s why most lawyers advise waiting until the injured person reaches what’s called maximum medical improvement (MMI). This is when the person has gotten as better as they are going to get. Only then can a fair settlement be calculated that covers all medical bills, lost wages, and future care. Waiting for this can delay the process but typically leads to a better result.
3. Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies don’t always play fair. Some will use delay tactics to frustrate you or make you so desperate that you will accept a low offer. They will ask for the same documents repeatedly or claim to still be working on the file.
These are tactics insurance companies use to lower settlements and cut down costs. This is why having a lawyer can make a huge difference. An experienced lawyer knows how to deal with insurance companies and get the process moving.
4. Legal and Paperwork Issues
Legal proceedings can cause delays. Maybe the paperwork was not done properly, or there is more than one driver or insurance policy involved. If a lawsuit is filed, the case can find its way into the court system, which can take even a year to resolve.
In more complicated situations like in the case of commercial trucking accidents, more time is needed to research and develop the case. These facts are relevant, but they can delay the process by weeks or months.
5. The Negotiation Process Takes Time
Even after facts are established, and injuries are determined, settling is not always quick. That’s because negotiation comes into play. Your attorney may go back and forth with the insurance company many times before both sides agree on an amount.
This can be frustrating, but it is a good sign. Settling too early may mean not factoring in everything about your injuries and case. A slow, well-planned negotiation typically concludes in a settlement that reflects a fair amount that you are owed.
Conclusion
Delays in car accident settlements are, unfortunately, a frustrating thing most people have to go through. However, these delays typically have valid reasons behind them, such as completely understanding your injuries or fighting for a fair agreement.
If you’re experiencing a delayed settlement, hire a lawyer, who can assist you along the way and make certain that you don’t have to wait longer than necessary.
