Once you file a claim for damages after a crash, you can expect a car accident settlement to take anywhere from a few months to more than a year. The timeline depends on the facts of the crash, the severity of the injuries, the insurance company’s investigation, and whether the parties agree on the value of the claim.
Some cases settle quickly, but others can take longer because more evidence or medical treatment is needed before the claim can be valued.
Our Boston car accident lawyer can manage the insurance claim from the beginning, gather evidence, track deadlines, and communicate with the insurance company during its investigation. This gives you time to focus on your medical care while we respond to adjusters and handle your claim.
Why Does One Settlement Take Longer Than Another?
No two claims are the same, so they follow a different schedule. Several factors affect how long it takes to settle a claim, including:
- The seriousness of your injuries.
- Whether fault for the crash is disputed.
- How long medical treatment lasts.
- Whether expert opinions are needed.
- The amount of available insurance coverage.
- Whether a lawsuit becomes necessary.
A claim involving minor vehicle damage and a short recovery moves much faster than one involving surgery, permanent injuries, or multiple drivers.
Should You Settle Before Your Medical Treatment Ends?
Many people receive an early settlement offer within weeks of a crash. However, a quick offer does not always reflect the full value of a claim. Accepting too soon may create problems if you later learn that you need additional treatment for your injuries.
Once a settlement is signed, you generally cannot return and ask for more money for the same accident. Waiting until your doctors have a clearer picture of your recovery usually allows your losses to be calculated more accurately.
What Happens During the Insurance Company’s Investigation?
The insurance company usually conducts a review of the claim before deciding whether it will make a settlement offer. During its investigation, it may review the police report and look at the evidence, such as photographs and videos.
It may also:
- Speak with people who saw the accident.
- Examine vehicle damage.
- Review the injured person’s medical records and bills.
- Request proof of lost income due to missing work for recovery.
- Evaluate fault under Massachusetts law.
How long an adjuster’s review lasts varies across claims. Straightforward claims often move faster than crashes involving evidence or serious injuries.
Can Delays Happen Even When Fault for the Crash Seems Clear?
Even when it appears easy to see who caused the crash, other questions may still need answers, and that can delay a claim.
For example, the insurance company may ask to see more medical records or question whether all injuries came from the collision. They may also want to review more information about future care.
Negotiations over the value of pain, lost pay, or long-term medical needs can also add time to a claim.
Does Filing an Injury Lawsuit Mean the Case Will Go to Trial?
Not every case heads to trial because parties work out their differences without going to court. Sometimes, filing a lawsuit can keep the case moving after settlement discussions stall. Once both sides exchange evidence through the discovery process, negotiations often continue.
A trial usually becomes necessary only when the parties cannot agree on liability or the value of the claim.
What Can Slow Down a Car Accident Settlement?
Any issue can make the process longer than the timeline initially expected. These include:
- Serious or permanent injuries
- Ongoing medical treatment
- Multiple injured people
- Several insurance policies
- Disagreements over fault
- Missing evidence
- Unavailable witnesses
- Claims involving commercial vehicles
Each issue involved in the case can require more investigation before meaningful settlement discussions can occur.
How You Can Help Move Your Car Accident Claim Along
You can take a few practical steps that may help keep your claim on track. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and attend all of your medical appointments. Save your bills, receipts, and other records related to the accident.
If new symptoms develop, let your doctor know so that your medical records stay up to date. Respond promptly if the insurer or your attorney requests information, and avoid discussing the accident on social media.
Complete records and timely communication often make it easier to evaluate your claim and continue settlement discussions.
Is There a Deadline to File a Lawsuit in Massachusetts?
You have a set time to sue for damages if your claim is not settled outside of court. Under Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A, most personal injury lawsuits arising from a car accident must be filed within three years after the cause of action accrues.
Missing the deadline may prevent you from pursuing damages through the court, even if your attorney is still in settlement negotiation talks with the insurance company.
Filing an insurance claim does not extend this deadline. If negotiations are taking longer than expected, a lawsuit may need to be filed before the statute of limitations expires.
Speak With Our Car Accident Lawyer About Your Settlement Timeline
How long a car accident settlement takes depends on the case and its facts and circumstances. It can take time to fully understand the accident and the injuries suffered. Our personal injury lawyer will gather the evidence and seek a favorable result for your claim.
Since 2006, Earley Law Group has recovered millions for injured clients throughout Massachusetts. Our firm is known for its white-glove service, giving every client the personal attention they deserve while connecting them with the medical resources they need.
With 25 years of experience, the firm works to make the claims process easier from start to finish. Call Earley Before It’s Too Late!™ We will discuss your case and answer any questions during a free consultation.
We offer a No Fee Guarantee and 24/7 help.
