The time required to settle a car accident claim in Missouri depends on multiple factors, including severity, liability, and insurance.
If you’ve been involved in a car accident in Missouri, you may wonder how long it takes to settle a claim. The timeline varies based on several factors, including the severity of injuries, liability disputes, and the responsiveness of insurance companies. Understanding these variables can help set realistic expectations and prepare you for the claims process.
Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. for expert guidance and representation if you need legal assistance with your claim.
Factors That Affect Settlement Time
The time it takes to resolve a car accident claim depends on various factors, including:
Severity of Injuries and Medical Treatment
Claims involving minor injuries may settle within a few months, while cases with severe injuries requiring long-term treatment can take a year or more. Settlements should ideally occur after maximum medical improvement (MMI) to ensure all future medical costs are accounted for (Missouri Department of Insurance).
Liability Determination
Missouri follows a comparative fault system, meaning compensation is reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to each party (Missouri Revised Statutes Section 537.765). The claim may settle quickly if liability is clear, but disputes over fault can prolong negotiations.
Insurance Company Negotiations
Insurance companies may delay claims to pressure victims into accepting lower settlements. Missouri law requires insurers to acknowledge and investigate claims promptly, but negotiations can take months (Missouri Revised Statutes Section 375.1007).
Evidence Collection and Documentation
Stronger evidence—such as police reports, medical records, and witness statements—can speed up the process. However, if an accident reconstruction expert is needed, this can extend the timeline.
Lawsuit vs. Settlement
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be necessary. Missouri has a five-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but litigation can add six months to several years to the process (Missouri Revised Statutes Section 516.120).
Average Timeline for Car Accident Settlements in Missouri
While each case is unique, the following are general timeframes:
- Simple, minor injury cases: 3-6 months
- Moderate injury claims with medical treatment: 6-12 months
- Serious injury claims with ongoing medical care: 1-2 years
- Cases requiring litigation: 2+ years
How to Speed Up Your Claim Process
To avoid unnecessary delays, consider the following steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately to document injuries.
- Report the accident to the police and your insurance company promptly.
- Gather all evidence early, including medical bills and accident reports.
- Hire an experienced car accident attorney to handle negotiations and legal filings efficiently.
Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C Today
The time required to settle a car accident claim in Missouri depends on multiple factors, including injury severity, liability disputes, and insurance negotiations. While minor cases may resolve in a few months, complex cases can take years. Contact The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. for expert guidance and representation if you need legal assistance with your claim.