How Long Will My Florida Car Accident Settlement Take?

There is no set time for how long it will take to negotiate a car accident settlement in Florida. It could take anywhere from a couple of weeks or months to several years, depending on many factors. These include:

• Recovery time for injuries stemming from the crash
• Whether or not there is eyewitness testimony, video footage of the crash, or other evidence demonstrating clearly who was at fault
• The extent to which the injured party shares some responsibility for the crash
• Insurance company’s willingness to resolve the claim quickly
• The experience and skill of the injured party’s attorney

The timeline of a car accident settlement can be vital – because of the reality of the severe losses that can be sustained in a crash, plaintiffs may not be working while medical and repair bills are mounting.

Regardless of the degree of injury or property damage, it is essential for the financial planning of plaintiffs in these cases to have a realistic expectation of when they will receive their compensation. While it is impossible to definitively calculate all the variables that factor into deciding what date a settlement is signed, the car accident lawyers at Kogan & DiSalvo are knowledgeable pros who can estimate a possible range of dates within which a case will likely settle.

How Long Will It Take to Get My Settlement Money?

Each case is unique. The amount of time it will take to receive your settlement money depends on numerous factors, such as:

• Complexity – One of the first factors to consider is the legal or factual issues pertaining to the case that may take time to flesh out. Complex cases like accidents involving multiple potential defendants or vehicles that are currently on the job (i.e., shipping trucks) are naturally more time-consuming. This can include requiring additional time to gather evidence to demonstrate sufficient fault for any particular defendant, or placing liability on an employer. For example, it may take time to get forensic evaluations, expert witness statements, or other evidence that will help to prove liability or damages when they are in doubt. 
• Amount at stake – Should the amount be a relatively small sum that an insurance company is not interested in spending much in legal fees to defend, the cost-benefit analysis will often lead a for-profit insurer to a quick settlement. However, many car accidents involve the totaling of an expensive car, catastrophic injuries requiring significant medical and rehabilitative treatment, or even a death that will qualify for a wrongful death lawsuit or survival action. If that is the case, an insurance company will typically be far more inclined to spend more resources to delay, minimize, or deny a claim for what will likely be a significant sum through the same cost-benefit analysis.
• Insurance Company – While some companies have a business model that involves making faster, smaller payouts, others will go the more adversarial route and tend to spend more money defending, delaying, or minimizing settlement or judgment amounts.
• Injury Recovery – Lastly, some injuries will require several surgeries, additional evaluation, and medical treatment. It can often make sense to hold out until the full extent of the injuries is known as opposed to being speculated upon. While a case can sometimes settle in a matter of weeks, if there are any serious injuries, it is worth considering waiting to see if there are any complications that a defendant may be liable for.

Speaking with an experienced personal injury attorney can help to provide clarity and vital legal industry context.

How an Attorney Can Help

The experienced car accident attorneys at Kogan & DiSalvo can assess your accident, investigate for evidence, and negotiate your case to a settlement. These negotiations can be finished in a matter of weeks under favorable conditions with a reasonable party, or turn into years-long back-and-forths which require discovery and at least some litigation to press an adequate settlement. Whether you are in a difficult financial situation and willing to forego a larger sum for a faster settlement, or able to hold out for years, we can guide your case toward your goals.

No attorney can guarantee outcomes. However, years of handling these cases have given our attorneys the perspective needed to fully inform our clients about the strength of their case and its likely dollar value. Call us today to schedule a free consultation.