How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Take?

After a car accident in Tennessee, you undoubtedly have many questions about what comes next. If another driver or party caused the collision that injured you, it’s natural to wonder about the car accident settlement timeline. What can you expect from the process? How long does it take to settle a claim? When will you get your compensation?

Working with a knowledgeable Memphis car accident lawyer who has a track record of success can help you get answers to all these questions and more. Additionally, your attorney will help you avoid unnecessary delays and stalling tactics from insurance companies. They’ll fight to recover the full, fair compensation you deserve after a collision.

What’s the Typical Car Accident Settlement Timeline in Memphis?

While most Memphis car accident cases follow a general process, the timeline for settling a claim depends on several factors. Some claims are resolved in a few months. However, if disputes arise or the victim requires a prolonged recovery process, they may take a year or more. When you understand the typical steps, it can be easier to set realistic expectations. Here’s an overview of the standard Tennessee car accident settlement process:

• Initial Investigation and Medical Treatment – After the accident, you should seek medical attention, report the crash, and contact a car accident lawyer. Your attorney will gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, medical records, and expert testimony. This stage can take weeks or months, depending on the severity of your injuries.
• Filing the Insurance Claim – Once you complete your initial treatment and your attorney has collected evidence, they will file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company.
• Settlement Negotiations – The insurer will review your claim and may offer a settlement before engaging in negotiations with your attorney. These negotiations can take weeks or months, especially if the insurer disputes liability or doubts the extent of your injuries.
• Filing a Lawsuit (if Necessary) – If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may file a lawsuit. Litigation can extend the timeline significantly, sometimes taking a year or more.
• Resolution and Payout – If you reach a settlement, you will typically receive compensation from the insurance company within a few weeks. If your case goes to trial, the process can take much longer.

Factors That Affect Settlement Timelines

No two car accident claims are identical, and the time it takes to settle can vary widely. Understanding the factors that can influence how long the process takes can help you anticipate potential delays and plan accordingly.

Severity of Injuries and Medical Treatment

The type and severity of your injuries will play a major role in how long your settlement takes. If you suffered relatively minor injuries, your medical treatment will be fairly straightforward, and your case may be resolved more quickly. In contrast, severe injuries that require ongoing treatment or rehabilitation can prolong the process. Your attorney may advise waiting until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling. This is so they can be sure all future medical expenses are accounted for in your Tennessee car accident claim.

Liability Disputes

If the other driver’s fault is clear, such as in a rear-end collision supported by video evidence and eyewitness testimony, the insurance company may settle quickly. However, if there are conflicting accounts of what happened or multiple liable parties involved, the insurer may delay the process while completing their investigation. Disputes over liability often require additional evidence, such as accident reconstruction reports or expert testimony. This can also extend the timeline.

Insurance Company Tactics

Insurance companies often use delay tactics to pressure accident victims into accepting lower settlements. They may take longer than necessary to process claims, request excessive documentation, or make low initial offers to gauge whether you may be willing to settle for less. Having an attorney handling negotiations on your behalf can help counter these tactics and keep the process moving forward.

Complexity of Damages

If your claim includes significant medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or long-term disability, the insurance company may take longer to evaluate and calculate your damages. Complex claims often require expert opinions, economic projections, and additional documentation. This additional investigation can make the process of evaluating your claim take longer.

Lawsuit and Litigation

Filing a lawsuit may be necessary if negotiations fail to yield an acceptable settlement offer. Once your attorney has filed a lawsuit, the discovery process, depositions, court hearings, and additional negotiations can take months or even years to play out. The vast majority of car accident cases in Tennessee reach a settlement and never see the inside of a courtroom. But if litigation is a possibility in your case, be aware that it can greatly lengthen the timeline.

While some delays are unavoidable in car accident claims, working with an attorney can help minimize unnecessary setbacks and ensure your case moves forward as efficiently as possible.

How an Attorney Can Help

A Memphis car accident attorney can help streamline the settlement process significantly. They’ll handle negotiations, gather evidence, and push back against insurance company delays and tactics intended to minimize your payout. They’ll assess the full value of your claim and make sure any offers meet your needs before accepting. If the insurer refuses to offer the amount you deserve, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. In short, having an attorney manage the legal aspects of your claim allows you to focus on your recovery while they work toward the best possible outcome for your case.

Get Help from the Team at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC

A Memphis, Tennessee, car accident has the power to put your life and plans on hold for an indefinite amount of time. Amidst all the uncertainty associated with undergoing medical treatment, managing your finances, working toward your physical recovery, and preparing for life in the aftermath of a crash, you deserve some source of stability and reassurance.

The Tennessee car accident lawyers at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC have decades of experience fighting for injured people and their families and have recovered over $500 million in compensation for victims of car accidents and other incidents. Call (901) 526-2126 or reach out via our contact form to learn more about the car accident settlement timeline in a free, no-obligation initial consultation.