Why Is My Car Accident Settlement Taking So Long?

Item: Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
Rating: 5
Author: Heather Boston

If you suffered injuries in a motor vehicle collision, you may wonder, “Why is my settlement taking so long?” The car accident settlement process can be complex, and many factors can affect a claim and the timeline for recovering payment. Having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can significantly benefit you and help expedite the process where applicable.

A personal injury attorney with Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. can help you avoid unnecessary delays and fight for a fair settlement that compensates you for all your losses. Contact our law firm online or call today for a free consultation.

Help from Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys Throughout the Legal Claims Process

We know there are a lot of law firms to choose from when pursuing personal injury cases in Chicago. At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we have over 40 years of experience fighting for individuals and families in Illinois. We have a passion for victim advocacy and the skills, resources, and knowledge to tackle the most challenging car accident cases.

Our diverse team of attorneys knows how to build robust personal injury claims. We can fight against insurance company tactics aimed at denying, delaying, or reducing your settlement and seek fair compensation for your losses. Our experienced personal injury attorneys can:

Investigate the car crash and collect evidence
Identify at-fault parties and prove they acted negligently
Identify your current and future losses and pursue the maximum compensation possible
Prepare and file insurance claims
Communicate with insurance adjusters and handle settlement negotiations
Help you navigate the complex legal system
Protect your rights and ensure the insurance company is not causing unnecessary delays or engaging in bad-faith tactics
File a car accident lawsuit and represent you at trial if necessary
Provide you with practical support and frequent and timely case updates

Our Law Firm Obtains Results

At Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C., we have recovered over $2.5 billion in compensation for clients. Our case results include record-setting multimillion-dollar awards and over 350 settlements and verdicts exceeding $1 million. Some of our noteworthy car collision outcomes include:

A $79.85 million verdict for the family of a 10-year-old girl who was killed in an unauthorized vehicle pursuit in the Chicagoland area
A $45 million settlement for a teen driver who suffered injuries after a police officer struck him while engaged in a car chase with a suspect
A $33.2 million verdict for a 22-year-old man who was paralyzed in an auto accident while riding as a passenger in a vehicle operated by a drunk driver
A $20 million settlement for a woman who suffered a spinal injury after her car was hit by a vehicle whose driver failed to yield the right of way

Receiving Full and Fair Compensation Is More Important Than Securing a Speedy Settlement

A car accident settlement delay can be frustrating, but receiving fair compensation is more important than being compensated quickly. If you accept the insurance company’s initial offer or allow them to pressure you into a hasty agreement, you may find yourself paying out-of-pocket later.

Before agreeing to a settlement, you must take the time to understand the cost of your current and expected medical treatment and how your injuries will affect your work capabilities and overall quality of life. If you do not account for your future needs and expenses, you may leave significant money on the table.

When you hire a car accident lawyer from Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C, you can be confident that we will account for the full extent of your injuries and losses, including your medical bills, future medical expenses, lost income, property damage, and pain and suffering.

Receiving the compensation you deserve should be a higher priority than rushing the process.

Car Accident Settlement Timeline

The settlement timeline for a car accident claim varies from case to case. In Illinois, most motor vehicle accident cases begin with a claim against the liable driver’s auto insurance.

You should immediately contact the liable party’s insurance company and your insurer about the crash to avoid missing policy deadlines. Once you file your insurance claim, your personal injury lawyer will investigate the collision and present the at-fault party’s insurance company with a demand letter outlining your case and the compensation you deserve.

If the insurance company does not agree to offer a reasonable settlement, your lawyer can file a personal injury lawsuit. Under Illinois law, you generally have two years to take legal action. Your lawyer and the insurance company’s representatives will then exchange information and evidence during a process called discovery. They will also continue with negotiations.

Most cases settle before going to trial. However, if necessary, our attorneys are not afraid to represent you in court. We prepare every case for trial, and insurance companies know our law firm is comprised of trial lawyers who are ready and willing to go before a judge or jury.

Factors Affecting a Car Accident Settlement

Car accident settlements take varying amounts of time, with some taking only a few months and others taking much longer. Among the issues that impact the timing of a settlement are:

The facts of the case – Cases with complex legal and factual issues can take longer to investigate and resolve, especially if there are disputes over who is at fault. It can also take a while to gather evidence, including medical records, eyewitness statements, and expert testimony.
The involvement of multiple parties – When multiple parties are involved in car accidents, it may mean dealing with their respective insurance companies and attorneys. Multiple parties can also make determining fault and the degree of each party’s financial liability more difficult.
The severity of the injuries – When a collision results in severe injuries, it is essential that victims reach maximum medical improvement before agreeing to a settlement. Before reaching maximum medical improvement, knowing the full extent of your medical expenses is impossible. You or your injured loved one may need extensive medical treatment, including long-term nursing, attendant care, or life care. You must pursue the resources necessary to pay for these services.
The negotiation process – How long the negotiation process takes can depend on the complexity of the evidence, the value of the claim, and the willingness of the involved parties to engage in the process. Sometimes, insurance companies will purposely cause delays. Experienced and resourceful attorneys can fight against this.
Whether legal action is necessary – If your case goes to court, it will take longer to settle than if legal action is not required. However, remember that receiving full and fair compensation is the ultimate goal.

Contact Our Experienced Car Accident Attorneys for a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car crash, Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. is here to help. Our personal injury lawyers will do everything possible to avoid delays and seek the maximum compensation possible. We aggressively fight for our clients’ rights while they focus on healing.