Being a victim of a car collision, which is someone else’s fault, is one thing you can’t take lying down. You’re well within your right to demand fair compensation that reflects the actual extent of the physical and financial losses you incurred. Filing a car accident claim is the step to take to fully recover from your ordeal and ensure the other party gets what their actions deserve.
However, the claims process involves a lot of back-and-forth negotiations that could drag on for months depending on the complexity of the case. Expect to spend more time and resources if the other side isn’t yielding to your demands. Considering that taking the case to trial will make things even more complicated, you might be tempted to take the easier route by settling the case via a compromise. However, your attorney may advise against it.
Settling Quickly Isn’t Always a Good Idea
Most victims would ask, “how long does a car accident claim take to settle?” There is no straight answer, but it shouldn’t exceed a year. That’s already enough for you to get treated for injuries, gather evidence, and find the right attorney for your needs. This also includes filing an insurance claim and taking the other party to the negotiation table.
It’s a lengthy process that requires mustering all the legal firepower you can get to build a compelling case against the other party. You incur fees over time, making a quick settlement seem like the best way to move forward. However, that recourse won’t guarantee a fair payout. You may not recover the cost of your medical and repair costs and the value of economic damages you may have suffered while recovering from your injuries.
To put it simply, you stand to lose more in a quick car accident settlement. If you think you have a compelling case, it would be good to stick to your guns and get the other side to pay you the full amount. There are cases when settling could help you achieve your goals. It’s only a matter of looking out for the signs.
When Accepting a Settlement Becomes a Good Idea
There’s no set template you can follow to assess the suitability of a settlement offer. It’s always a good idea to let your car accident attorney weigh in first to see if you should accept it or issue a counteroffer. You know if the other side’s offer is good when it:
1. Takes non-economic damages into account
In the case of a horrific road collision, you can’t simply demand compensation for the physical losses you’ve suffered. The situation could have impacted you psychologically, so much so that you have developed post-traumatic stress disorder or depression that warrants follow-up therapy. If the other side wants to settle, they must take these effects into account.
2. Includes future damages and hardship
Being rendered disabled in the aftermath of a car accident could upend the quality of life for you and your family. Your lawyer will need to add future expenses for recurring care as well as punitive damages to compensate for the long-term hardship you may endure. An initial offer that excludes these isn’t worth the trouble. Having a hard case should already be enough to exert pressure on the other side and get them to pay the full value of your claim.
Endnote
A car accident claim will leave you physically, emotionally, and financially damaged, so it’s not a good idea you accept whatever is on the table. Talk to your lawyer and ensure you accept the best amount regardless of how quickly your case settles.
