How Long Will It Take To Get My Car Accident Settlement Check?

Waiting for compensation after a car accident can be very challenging, especially if your financial and personal losses are extensive. How long it will take to receive a settlement check will vary by case and how long negotiations take, but here is a general timeline.

30 Days is the Best-Case Scenario

Insurance companies typically try to resolve car accident claims within 30 days of filing. However, if you do settle quickly, it might mean accepting less money than your case is worth, especially if your injuries are severe. Additionally, once you sign a release of liability, you cannot pursue further compensation. Once you do settle, the insurance company will typically send a check within three to six weeks after receiving a signed release of liability.

Timeline for Complex Car Accident Claims

Various issues can cause a claim to take months or even years to resolve. When liability is complex, or disputed, or your injuries are severe, it can take significantly longer before a settlement is reached. Additionally, an attorney will advise you to wait until you fully recover or get to the point of maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling. Waiting will give you a better understanding of the extent of your injuries and any future financial implications.

If the at-fault party’s insurance company refuses to settle for fair compensation, and you must file a lawsuit or go to trial before a settlement is reached, it is possible for your claim to take years.

Other Factors That Can Delay a Settlement Check

Other various factors that can potentially delay how long it takes to settle a car accident claim and for an insurance company to send you your check include the following:

Incomplete Information

If the insurance company doesn’t receive all the information they need with your proof-of-loss forms, they may have to ask and wait for additional documentation.

Extension

In some cases, an insurer can extend the time they need to investigate, but there must be a sufficient reason for doing so. For instance, if the adjuster has a large caseload or the size of your claim is extensive and requires a more thorough investigation.

Pre-existing Injuries

You can still recover compensation if you had a pre-existing injury or condition that was aggravated or made worse because of the accident. However, an insurance company may raise suspicions about reimbursing medical care if you were already receiving it. As a result, you will have to provide medical evidence that the collision furthered your injury.

The Policyholder’s Limits

If the at-fault party’s policy limits are substantial and your losses are extensive, the insurance company will take extra time to thoroughly review your claim to minimize their payout.

Will the Settlement Check Be Sent To Me?

If you are represented by a car accident lawyer in Waco, the insurer will send your check to your lawyer’s office. However, before your attorney can send you your share of the proceeds, they must first pay any administrative costs such as liens. For example, your healthcare providers may have medical liens against your car accident award to pay for your treatment. After the necessary payments are made, your attorney will deduct their contingency fee and legal costs and then forward the remaining amount to you.