Car Accident Lawyers
How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take to Settle?
It would be nice to provide a time frame for all car accident victims in terms of the claiming process, but this is sadly impossible since every case is unique. Firstly, it’s important to note that quick action is the best way to a quick settlement. In Florida, the statute of limitations is four years after a car accident. After this time has passed, you cannot take legal action unless extraordinary circumstances are present. Just because you have four years, this doesn’t mean you need to wait to contact a car accident attorney.
The statute of limitations is important, but there’s another reason that you want to contact a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer as soon as possible - because they need to gather evidence to support your claim. By waiting, you’re making this task more and more difficult. If the personal injury lawyer is involved early in the process, they can speak to eyewitnesses and gather statements before they forget critical details.
Recovering Compensation After a Car Accident
In case you didn’t know, compensation isn’t all about economic damages…although they do play a major role. Some of the biggest economic damages include medication expenses, medical bills, cost of rental cars or towing services, damage to your vehicle, and lost wages. Additionally, your car accident attorney may consider modifications that need to be made to your home as well as the reduction of earning capacity.
On the other hand, some cases will include non-economic damages - damages that don’t quite have a tangible amount attached to them. This includes the following:
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Loss of companionship (if claiming for a loved one)
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
The earlier the car accident attorney gets involved in your case, the easier it becomes for them to prove all of these losses. Sadly, some people wait too long, and the evidence-gathering process gains in difficulty. In some cases, the eyewitnesses previously willing to help are unavailable or unable to remember key details about the accident.
Length of a Potential Car Accident Injury Claim
First and foremost, although we can’t give an accurate timeline that applies to all cases, we can say that this isn’t something that will be over in a couple of weeks. Most cases drag on for several months and there are many considerations to keep in mind when calculating a potential timeline. Don’t worry, a trained attorney will discuss potential timelines with you after looking at the details of your case.
One of the biggest considerations is the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate after a car accident. You’ve probably seen it elsewhere, but insurance companies want to look after their profits more than anything else. As a business, they have an interest in paying as little as possible - this is why victims who fail to get representation often settle for much less than they deserve (and need!).
If the insurance company doesn’t offer a strong settlement, the process will extend because your lawyers will likely take the case to court. With the right legal company, you won’t pay anything until the resolution of the case. Also, they have the resources to take the case in front of a judge or jury with no issues. At all times, the Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer focuses on getting the compensation you deserve rather than settling for anything less.
You have four years to claim after a car accident, but it’s best to contact a car accident attorney as soon as possible. Give the attorney time to gather evidence and speak to witnesses, and then they’ll offer an estimated timeframe!
