The most common question asked by the victim of a car accident is how long their claim will take to settle, especially if the accident was caused due to someone else’s negligence. The truth is that no one can put an exact number to this. Some claims settle in a few weeks, while some take years. It depends on various factors that we will read in the blog.
Legal proceedings are confusing and lengthy. You need to find evidence, fill out paperwork, attend hearings, meet deadlines, and whatnot, all while dealing with your physical injuries. Hiring Los Angeles car accident attorneys can provide ease of mind.
How long will it take to settle my car accident claim?
There are various steps involved in a car accident, and based on how much time is required in each step, we can determine the length of a case. However, certain factors or complications may influence these steps.
Step 1: Hiring an attorney.
Your first step should be hiring a skilled attorney to represent you and make sure you can get the maximum compensation possible. The lawyer can take care of the legal proceedings while focusing on your injuries and psychological healing.
Step 2: Demands and negotiations.
Most compensation claims are settled outside of court. If your lawyer is confident that they can settle the case without going to trial, your case will resolve much quicker.
Step 3: Filing a lawsuit.
If the case is not settled upfront, your attorney will file a lawsuit. Here, the law will be involved in your case and determine whether and how much compensation you should get.
Step 4: Discovery.
This phase involves both parties requesting each other for documentation, evidence, and depositions. Documents may include police reports, medical records, security footage, and company emails. A deposition is a process of questioning each other and witnesses.
Step 5: Mediation.
Mediation is a process where the two parties and their respective attorneys meet with a neutral third party who helps them resolve their disagreements and come to a decision. If the mediator is able to help them reach a negotiation, the case ends; otherwise, it goes to trial.
Step 6: Trial.
Trials are held in courtrooms where the judge and the jury analyze the facts of the case, evidence, documentation, and witness statements to determine fault and the amount of compensation. Trials can last for a few hours, days, or even a week.
Factors that influence the length of a case
Factors that can potentially affect the length of your case include:
- Time taken to collect medical evidence.
- How severe the injuries are.
- The circumstances of the accident.
- Whether the identity of the culprit is known.
- Whether the defendant accepts or denies liability.
