Why Your St. Louis Car Accident Settlement May Seem to Be Taking so Long

When you are the victim of a car accident that caused injuries and/or property damage, you will most probably deal with the insurance company to reach a settlement and cover all your expenses. After such a traumatic event as a car collision, no one really looks forward to dealing with legal matters, but it’s important not to rush the process if you want to get the best result.

It’s important to know that several indicators will be taken into account during your settlement process. These indicators vary with each case and are often influenced by the experience of the judges, the insurance company’s approach and your own legal help, so it’s not easy to give an estimate. The best guess would come from an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney who can predict most of the variables involved.

Let’s see what are the main factors that will influence how long your settlement process will take.

Proving Liability

Determining who is at fault for causing the accident is crucial in a settlement. According to the law in Missouri, if you are found to have contributed to the causes of the accident, you might only get a fraction of the settlement or no settlement at all. Determining liability also helps establish who pays the bills.

In a car accident, things are not as simple as they look. Your case might take time because it’s tricky to determine and prove liability.

The Severity of Your Injuries and Your Recovery Period

It’s highly recommended that you wait to reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling your case. This will prevent unfortunate situations where you are left paying your medical bills out of your own pocket.

Depending on the severity of your injuries, the recovery might take weeks, months and even years.

The Insurance Company Response Time

Sometimes, insurance companies intentionally delay their response to discourage you from pursuing a higher amount. While your bills are piling up, the insurance company may keep you waiting. Hiring a St. Louis auto accident lawyer will help you fight these tactics and discourage the company from acting in bad faith.

Negotiating the Settlement Conditions

If the first offer sent by the insurance company is not satisfactory (and it often isn’t), you will have to negotiate a new amount or even file a lawsuit. If this happens, the process may be lengthened significantly.

The Period From Sign the Release Form Until Receiving Your Check

Usually, it takes four to six weeks from signing the release form until you get your check.

Work with a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

If you are in doubt about your settlement and you want to get it over with as quickly as possible while still receiving the proper settlement for your damage, we highly recommend speaking with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer.