How Long Does A Car Accident Settlement Take?

Key Takeaways

• Car accidents can leave you in pain and facing other struggles, and insurance adjusters typically do not help ease stress.
• The settlement process can be complex, and insurance companies often lowball accident victims with insufficient settlement offers.
• An experienced car accident attorney can help assemble evidence, calculate damages, and negotiate with the insurance company so you receive a fair settlement promptly.

Car accidents are already likely to shake you up, not to mention cause you harm. Knowing you might also have to fight for your insurance settlement can add to your exhaustion. No one wants to spend months going back and forth with their insurance adjuster to get reimbursed for hefty medical bills.

Luckily, the experienced car accident attorneys at Matz Injury Law are happy to rid you of the burden of dealing with insurance companies. We can help negotiate on your behalf to obtain the compensation you deserve. Call us today at 866-226-6833 or use the online contact form for a free consultation.

What You Should Know About Settling Your Car Accident Claim in Michigan

After a car accident in Michigan, here are the steps to settle your claim with the insurance company.

Investigate and Calculate Damages

• Perform a thorough investigation of the car accident using the police report and any photos, videos, witness statements, and other evidence.
• Your attorney will determine damages by compiling and reviewing medical bills, work payment records, and other documentation relevant to your case.
• Upon completion, a calculation of damages, including past medical bills, future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning potential, property damage, pain and suffering, and wrongful death if the loss of a loved one occurred.

Send Demand Letter

Once calculations are complete, your personal injury lawyer will forward a demand letter to the insurance adjuster to begin settlement negotiations. This demand letter will include:

• Auto accident details
• How the other driver is at fault
• The seriousness of injuries, medical care and treatments, future care requirements, and any final diagnosis or prognosis of your condition
• An itemized list of compensation relevant to your type of claim
• An acceptable settlement amount

Expect to Negotiate

The insurance company will conduct its investigation and then:

• Respond to the demand letter
• Likely deny your claim or dispute portions of it to reduce a settlement amount
• Negotiations will then begin and may require you to collect more evidence on your behalf

Negotiations can continue for weeks, if not months, with offers and counteroffers exchanged before reaching a final settlement.

How to Determine Compensation for Your Injuries From the Car Accident

Determining an appropriate settlement amount will vary from case to case, as no two cases are identical. Generally speaking, depending on the circumstances, settling can take anywhere from a few months to many years.

Healthcare professionals might take time to determine your future prognosis and tell you how much treatment will cost. This doesn’t include non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, and other damages that might be difficult to assess.

Medical Documentation and Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

MMI is when you reach a point where your condition/injury has improved as much as medical providers expect it to, even if your treatment continues. Understanding the extent of your injuries and the full cost it will take to recover is crucial.

In some cases, rather than rush a settlement, it may be worth waiting for the MMI so you and your attorney fully understand the length and costs associated with the car accident and empower you to pursue a fairer settlement.

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Car Accident Settlement in Michigan

The car accident settlement process takes one to two years on average. However, since each case is unique, the timeline might differ depending on several factors.

• Type of injury and prognosis
• Your current and future medical needs
• Level of disability, if any
• Amount of medical expenses and lost wages incurred
• Number of insurance companies involved
• Whether the at-fault driver contests the accident

Ideally, you should file with proof of your case as soon as possible. Working with an experienced Michigan car accident attorney skilled at assembling a strong case can help move your case along and get you a fair settlement amount.

Auto Accident Settlement Timeline

While the length of each case may vary, there is a general timeline you can expect in your situation.

• File a claim. Your attorney will file a claim for compensation with the at-fault party’s insurance company.
• Conduct an investigation. Each side will investigate liability and damages, which includes gathering evidence and assembling records.
• Amount of medical treatment. How much and the length of medical treatment required for injuries significantly affects the settlement timeline.
• Demand and negotiation. Once evidence is assembled, your attorney will send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company; negotiations will commence at this time.
• Settlement agreement. If both parties agree, your case will be settled, and documents will be drawn up and signed. If not, your case likely progresses to a personal injury lawsuit.
• Disbursement of funds. You receive your compensation, and attorneys and medical providers are paid.

Common Factors That Can Affect a Car Accident Settlement

Factors affecting a car accident settlement include the following.

Degree of Injury

How much of an injury you suffered typically directly impacts the settlement timeline. When serious injuries occur, a case often takes longer because the long-term effects will need evaluation, especially if the injury will permanently affect your life.

Issues Determining Liability

The at-fault party will be held liable for damages. In cases where fault is contested, this can add complexities to settling a case, especially when multiple parties may be involved. Once liability is demonstrated, the case will move forward easier.

The Evidence Quality or Amount

When solid evidence is present to demonstrate fault, a case is much easier to prove. In situations where evidence quality is insufficient, or proof is not strong, this will typically extend the length of a case because attorneys will need to investigate and evaluate.

Compensation Demand

If the insurance company does not agree with the amount you and your attorney pursue, this will delay a settlement. Realistically, insurance companies notoriously will try to undercut an injury claim to pay out less money. You and your attorney need to prepare for this scenario.

Court Timelines

Sometimes, cases cannot be negotiated, which means going to court with a lawsuit. The court calendar will heavily impact the length of a case because hearings, meetings, and actual court appearances will all need scheduling.

Common Reasons Why a Car Accident Settlement is Taking a Long Time

The Michigan car accident settlement process is complex and involves multiple steps, which can extend the time it takes to finalize. These are common reasons a car accident settlement may take a long time.

Gathering Evidence

Gathering evidence is the most important part of proving your car, motorcycle, or truck accident claim and may take considerable time. An attorney can help with this by identifying what is needed to assert your claim confidently. Such evidence may include:

• Police and other first responder reports
• Photos and videos of the accident scene
• Witness statements
• Medical records
• Bills resulting from injury care and medical treatment
• Your doctor’s prognosis of your recovery
• Estimation of lost wages and future compensation
• Vehicle repair costs or estimates

The insurance company will also want to investigate and compile documentation about the accident and your injuries, which will take additional time.

Calculating Damages

It takes time to adequately calculate damages in your car accident case before presenting findings to the other side. Your personal injury attorney will start by gathering evidence as mentioned above, then calculate what damages to seek from the insurance companies. These damages often include both economic and non-economic damages.

The Defense is Delaying

The other party may delay a personal injury claim settlement as part of their legal strategy, hoping the claimant will grow tired and impatient and give up on pursuing a higher settlement. The insurance company also waits to see if additional evidence in their favor becomes available. Specific tactics to delay a settlement may include requiring extensive discovery, filing motions, or extending deadlines. Seek legal advice and a free case evaluation if this happens to you.

Why Do Insurance Companies Take So Long to Pay Out?

Insurance companies prefer to avoid parting with their money and employ tactics to reduce costs and delay payouts. Here are three of the most common ones.

Low Settlement Offer

An insurance company may offer you a low settlement shortly after the accident, hoping you will accept it and not seek higher compensation. This tactic works because car accident victims are often unfamiliar with the settlement process and their rights to seek higher payouts. The problem with accepting a low settlement so quickly is that you may incur additional medical or other expenses, and with acceptance, you close the door to receiving more compensation.

Denying Your Claim

Insurance adjusters are looking for reasons to deny your claim so the insurance company does not have to pay anything. They are counting on you to give up once you see the denial or file an appeal, which will take even more time to resolve.

Fishing for Information to Deny or Pay Less

Another tactic insurance companies like to use is fishing for information to deny or pay less in a settlement. In other words, they are looking for something that can discredit your claim in some way, such as pre-existing conditions.

What Types of Car Accident Injuries Might Cause a Delay in a Settlement?

One of the factors that can affect how long a settlement takes is the extent of your injuries. Car accident injuries that can cause a delay in a settlement include:

• TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury): Traumatic brain injuries take considerable time to treat and heal. They often have long-term complications and consequences that can also become permanent.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries can be mild or devastating and include fractured vertebrae, slipped or herniated discs, and spinal stenosis. Treatments and recovery take time. An accident victim can become paralyzed from these types of injuries.
• Broken Bones: Broken bones are another serious injury that may delay your settlement. Variations in this type of injury, healing time, and complications depend on the fracture type. If you suffer a non-displaced fracture, where the ends of the bone remain aligned, your doctor will only need to immobilize the area and let it heal. A displaced fracture with the bone out of alignment will require aligning the bones again, possibly with surgery, and then immobilizing the area.

The Difference in a Direct Settlement vs. Court Settlement

Direct settlement without going before the court is the preferred way to resolve your claim and will be sought first by your car accident lawyer. Most personal injury case settlements are not taken to court, making the settlement process take longer. Also, insurance adjusters prefer avoiding the courts because they know they are more likely to be seen unfavorably and, as a result, have to pay more. Yet, suppose the insurance company mistreats you by continuing to delay or failing to respond favorably to your demand for settlement. In that case, you have the legal right to file a lawsuit.

How Long It Takes to Get Your Settlement Check Will Depend on Several Factors

Once a settlement is negotiated, receiving a check generally takes four to six weeks, but this can vary. Before receiving payment, you must sign a release form giving up your right to sue in the future for your accident injury. Your lawyer will typically receive the check.

Why Clients Choose Matz Injury Law to Handle Car Accident Settlements

Clients often select Matz Injury Law to represent them in personal injury cases because of our reputation for prioritizing their needs. Our law firm has been practicing in Michigan for decades, traveling throughout the Upper and Lower Peninsulas to meet with clients, logging hundreds of thousands of miles.

As a personal injury law firm in Michigan, Matz has earned over $300 million for our clients. We are committed to each case and doing the work necessary to earn a fair settlement. Our firm is also a lower-fee personal injury law firm. Our fee is only 22%, as opposed to the typical 33 1/3% most law firms charge, which means more money in your pocket.

Client Testimonials

“Steve Matz was there when I needed him. Nobody expects to be a victim of a car accident but when I found myself in that situation it was overwhelming. Steve made everything easy. Steve did not accept the insurance Company’s first offer. He held out and got me a better settlement. Steve is very kind and professional. I highly recommend Matz Injury Law.”- Sharon K.

“I was struck by an SUV while riding my HD motorcycle. When I was released from the hospital, I contacted Lawyer Steven Matz, who came to our home and assisted us with all the paperwork. Steve also got us top Dollar for my totaled bike, and the maximum amount allowed in our financial settlement. Steve was always available to help with questions, and gave answers that contained compassion. He was always upbeat and energetic! I highly recommend his services to anyone that may need them.”- Dan F.

“Jared Matz very professional made this process very easy we trusted him and he delivered, very easy to communicate with him and he made sure that we understand everything he went over every little detail and keeps you updated every step of the way. Thank you so much for getting the settlement as fast you did”- Doha A.

Additional Resources

• Are Car Accident Settlements Taxable in Michigan?: Settlements are not generally taxable in Michigan; however, the interest you earn will be. An experienced attorney can help structure your settlement advantageously.
• Average Soft Tissue Injury Car Accident Settlement: Average soft tissue injury settlements vary but typically range from $5,000 to $40,000, but every case is different. Your attorney can help assess the worth of your soft tissue claim.
• Why is My Policy Limit Less Than My Car Accident Settlement?: Michigan law dictates that injured parties follow an order of priority when filing with insurance companies. If your insurance does not cover the cost of injuries, you can pursue compensation from the at-fault driver under certain circumstances.
• Are SSI Benefits Affected by a Car Accident Settlement?: Personal injury settlements can jeopardize SSI benefits. With proper planning, you can take steps to protect your SSI benefits for the future.
• Average Car Accident Settlements for Back and Neck Injuries: Most people receive roughly $40,000 to $50,000 for neck or back injuries, but in severe or chronic pain cases, the settlement can be much higher.

Don’t Wait Any Longer! Contact The Personal Injury Lawyers At Matz Injury Law

The aftermath of any motor vehicle accident can be overwhelming, and your recovery is the priority, followed by filing an insurance claim for compensation. Yet, waiting an unnecessarily long time for a fair settlement can be stressful. Hiring an experienced Michigan personal injury attorney can help speed up that settlement process.

At Matz Injury Law, we represent clients throughout Michigan. We will work with insurance companies on your behalf to accelerate your settlement check and even represent you in court should it go that far. We work diligently for your compensation. Call our trusted law firm today at 866-226-6833 or use the online contact form to schedule your free consultation.