The aftermath of a car accident is stressful, and how long a car accident claim takes to settle is never cut and dry. The wait may be creating quite a financial burden, and you are probably wondering how long it will be until you have payment in hand. Unfortunately, there is no set time, since there are various factors that can either speed up or delay the process. Have a highly experienced Las Vegas car accident attorney take a look at your claim and advise you on how you can receive a quicker settlement.
Insurance companies in Nevada attempt to resolve car accident claims within 30 days. An insurance adjuster will reach out to you within that time to evaluate your claim, investigate your accident, and determine the amount of compensation you should recover. To speed up these steps after an accident, try to compile as much information as possible to provide to the at-fault party’s insurance company. The adjuster will need to review the police report, photos of the scene, damage to the vehicles, and of your injuries, as well as witness statements, proof of lost income, medical records, bills, and any other pertinent documentation.
If you are seriously injured, you may want to consider hiring an experienced attorney to handle the case for you. Working with an attorney can be highly beneficial, because evidence can be gathered on your behalf and any dealings with the insurance company taken care of. Their firm will also likely cover costs for your medical care, car repairs, and other expenses that you would normally have to pay for out-of-pocket.
Complex claims where liability is disputed, and/or involves multiple parties, can take significantly longer to reach a settlement. Especially if there is not an overwhelming amount of evidence supporting your case. In Nevada, anyone who contributes to a car accident can be responsible for damages. So fault must first be established and accepted by an insurance company before an injury claim can be settled.
If your injuries are severe, an injury attorney will likely advise you to hold off on settling, although the insurance company will attempt to get you to right away. Accepting a settlement before you have fully recovered can be dangerous, since the amount may not be enough to cover the full extent of your injuries. To ensure you receive the proper value of your claim, it is best to heal as much as possible first or reach the point of maximum medical improvement (MMI), then settle.
Once you have reached a fair settlement with an insurance company, they will require you to sign a release prior to issuing your check. A release waives your right to pursue any other claims against the at fault driver and their insurance company. Once a signed release is received, it takes a week or longer for a check to be sent to either you or your attorney. Your attorney will then pay your debts, such as unpaid medical bills, and deduct their legal costs and fees, before you will be sent a check for the remainder.
Filing a car accident claim can be a stressful endeavor to undertake on your own. If you’ve been injured in a Las Vegas car accident, contact Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers for a free consultation.