Were you recently hurt in a car accident that someone else caused? If so, you’re probably thinking about filing a car accident claim against the at-fault party and wondering how long it might take to recover compensation. Relatively simple and straightforward claims can be resolved out of court in a matter of several months, whereas more complex ones can take several years before a court renders a verdict at trial.
Factors Affecting the Compensation Timeline
How long it takes to resolve a given car accident claim in Mesa will depend on a number of factors specific to the case. Here are a few critical factors that can affect how long your case might last.
The Severity of Injuries
The more severe the injuries, the more expensive treating them will likely be. Furthermore, serious injuries involve long recovery times, and it might remain unclear how much that treatment costs until the patient’s condition has stabilized. As such, an accident victim may need to wait until they reach maximum medical improvement before they can understand what care they will likely need in the future.
The Likelihood of Long-Term Impairment
In addition to the immediate costs of medical treatment, accident victims with particularly severe injuries are more likely to develop long-term impairments. Not only should a victim’s financial recovery reflect the cost of adapting to these impairments, but it should also take into account any negative effects the impairments have on their ability to continue their career or enjoy life to its fullest.
The Strength of the Evidence
A case supported by clear and compelling evidence is more likely to resolve quickly, as it reduces the chance of disputes. An insurance company has less room to debate the merits of a claim when an injured party can use items like police accident reports, video footage, and medical records to prove its policyholder’s fault. On the other hand, weak or circumstantial evidence may prolong a case by necessitating further investigation or expert testimony.
The Insurance Company’s Willingness to Accept Liability
Ultimately, the decision to settle a claim fairly rests with the company insuring the at-fault motorist. When an insurance company readily acknowledges its policyholder’s fault, the case can move forward relatively quickly. However, negotiations can drag on when the insurer disputes liability or attempts to shift blame onto the victim. And when an insurer really digs its feet in, a victim may need to proceed to trial to get it to pay them adequately.
How Our Mesa Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
One of the most important things you can do to expedite your case is to get help from an experienced personal injury attorney. At Valley Injury Team, we’re prepared to help you by:
- Thoroughly investigating the accident and working with experts as necessary to build the strongest case possible
- Filing the paperwork in your case accurately and on time, reducing unnecessary delays
- Aggressively negotiating with the insurance company for a fair settlement and applying leverage in the form of active litigation
- Taking your case to trial if it becomes the best way to get you what you’re owed
Don’t wait to put us to work at no upfront cost. Contact Valley Injury Team right away and ask for a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Mesa.
