Yes, that’s pretty unsatisfying. And it’s definitely not what you want to hear if you’ve been injured in a car accident. You want justice, and you want it right now. That’s natural, and at Andriotis Law Firm, we’re committed to getting justice for you in as timely a manner as possible.
That said, giving a one-size-fits-all answer to the question of how long it’ll take to prove your claim can be tricky. It’s true that the average case takes about six months to settle. But even that’s just a broad ballpark estimate—unless we know what an “average” case looks like, and how different your case is from that, then that estimate isn’t really meaningful.
So what factors determine the length of the claim process in a car accident injury case?
- Type of accident
Was it a one-car accident? Two cars? The rule of thumb is that the more drivers involved, the more complicated the case usually is. Also, determining liability in a car accident can delay the process. - Type of insurance
Some policies are written in a way that protects the insurance company more than the policyholder. - Severity of injuries
The more expensive your medical bills, the more resistance you can expect from any insurance company. Also, not seeking medical attention immediately after your car accident will add to the delay. So, make sure you see a doctor. - Projected recovery time
Do you expect to have to miss work for an extended period of time? - Presence of witnesses
An eyewitness can help establish the facts of the case, leaving less wiggle room for an insurance company
Each of those factors – as well as countless others not listed here – can contribute to a significant delay in you receiving your claim.
It’s true that car insurance companies are required by law to either reject a claim or offer a reasonable settlement within 60 days. But that doesn’t necessarily mean your idea of a “reasonable settlement” will square with what they actually offer you.
That’s why you should never try to deal with an insurance company directly in the wake of suffering injuries in a car accident. Call the Andriotis Law Firm instead. We know how the insurance companies operate, and we’ll work hard to get you the settlement you deserve quickly.
We have offices in Clearwater and Tarpon Springs, and we’ll even make house calls to anywhere in the Tampa Bay area. Call 727.232.9957 for a free consultation today.
