When you are injured in an accident, such as an auto crash, one key fact you need to determine is who was at fault. That's because if someone else was at fault and your injuries are serious, then you need to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault party and their insurer. The goal of any filing is to obtain a financial settlement that compensates you for your economic losses. This article answers some crucial questions regarding this important topic.
Length of Time to Settle
One fact that anyone needs to be aware of regarding personal injury claims is that reaching a settlement can take quite a while. Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to the question of how long it takes for a claim to be resolved. When it comes to these types of cases patience is a virtue.
Depending on the specific circumstance of your case, it could take several months or as long as two years. The average claim is settled in about 12 to 14 months, according to legal experts. A key factor is the amount you are asking as compensation for your damages. If you seek a large settlement, your case will likely take longer than if you were asking for less compensation. Insurers often drag their feet on large claims.
Another factor is the extent of your injuries and the time you take to fully recover. Your attorney will probably want you to fully recover or reach your maximum medical improvement (MMI) before agreeing to a settlement.
Medical Expenses and Your Settlement
A common issue in personal injury claims involves the payment of medical bills. When you file a claim, you expect to have your medical expenses factored into a settlement, but as you have just seen, settlements can take a significant amount of time to finalize. Meanwhile, you have medical bills that must be paid. How do you meet these obligations?
Your health insurance provider should be able to pay your medical costs in most cases. If your injuries are very serious, you might qualify for disability payments that would cover your medical expenses. If your injuries are from an auto accident, you might be compensated by personal injury protection (PIP) coverage or uninsured motorist coverage.
Time to Receive
So, if you have successfully concluded your claim and reached a settlement agreement with the insurer, how long will you have to wait to receive your check? Ask your personal injury attorney for more information.
If you need to file a personal injury claim, consult a qualified attorney.
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