4 Factors That May Influence the Length of Your Car Accident Settlement
Car Accident Lawyer
When a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence causes you serious injuries, you may not know where to turn. Medical bills can pile up quickly and if you are not able to return to work because of your pain, this may make issues worse. Filing a lawsuit against the driver who caused the accident may help you recover lost wages and money to cover your medical bills; however, there are several factors that could affect the length of your lawsuit and when you receive any financial compensation.
1. The Question of Shared Blame
A car accident settlement case may take longer to finalize when it is unclear what or who caused the accident. In some states, if either driver is deemed at fault for his or her injuries, the case may be dismissed. In others, the percentage of the blame must be calculated by the courts before the case can proceed. In most states, you must be less than 50% to blame for the accident to file for damages against the other driver.
2. The Seriousness of Your Injuries
In most cases, the depth of the injuries you suffered due to the car accident can affect how long it takes the court to assess their monetary worth. While your attorney may be able to help you place a dollar amount on your injuries, the court may add or dismiss some potential awards. For example, if the court finds that the other driver was extremely negligent in operating a motor vehicle, you may be able to collect punitive damages for pain and suffering.
3. The Number of People Involved
If the accident that caused your injuries involved more than two vehicles, the settlement may take longer as the courts, those involved and their attorneys catalog injuries, their worth and which drivers may have been to blame for causing a multiple-vehicle pileup. These types of cases may last well over a year or more, especially if several people suffered serious injuries.
4. Insurance Company Involvement
Insurance companies inevitably become involved with car accident injury cases because they want to protect their clients. Gathering information from multiple companies, as well as dealing with several different representatives, may delay your case. This can be especially true when the accused driver was behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle, as the company’s insurance provider may try to persuade you to settle out of court. It is important to consult your attorney when you receive any of these offers.
Settling a car accident injury lawsuit can feel overwhelming, but there is help available. Reach out to a lawyer today for additional help and guidance.
There are many different kinds of damages that a victim may be able to claim, as an attorney, like a car accident lawyer MD from a the Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C can explain.