Sustaining an injury in an auto accident often leads to lengthy recovery periods and financial concerns. As you focus on your physical healing, you may wonder how you’ll be able to afford the medical expenses, lost wages, and other unanticipated costs associated with the car accident. A common question auto accident victims ask is, “When can I expect to receive compensation for my injuries?” The answer varies widely and relies on several factors. Here are three main components that may affect when you’ll receive the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
The Nature and Extent of Your Injuries
Accidents involving severe injuries may take longer to resolve. If your injuries have substantially impacted your quality of life, requiring lengthy hospital stays, medical interventions, or physical therapy, it can take time to determine how much compensation will be appropriate for you to receive. You and your attorney can still start the negotiation process at any point during the recovery process, but you will have a more accurate picture of the extent of financial damages as your rehabilitation progresses.
Insurance Company Responsiveness
Once you’ve filed a claim with the auto insurance company, the timeline is up to them. They will conduct an investigation, which can move quickly or slowly. If they are managing several other claims in addition to yours, it could take some time for the insurance company to complete their investigation. Some companies tend to be more responsive and communicative than others, so this will play a role in how long the process will take for your situation to resolve.
Obtaining a Settlement in Riverside County
There are several avenues for obtaining an auto accident settlement in Southern California. In some cases, victims accept the initial settlement offer and move on with their lives as quickly as possible. However, many initial settlement offers are not sufficient, and the victim may reject this offer and request a more equitable amount. These negotiations can take time, especially as you want to be certain that you accept the settlement amount sufficiently covers your expenses. Should you decide to take this case to trial, you can expect to invest more time, energy, and money before receiving the final settlement.
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in the Temecula or Murrieta area and you need help collecting the compensation you deserve, contact Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation today at (951) 489-3320 to get started with a skilled attorney.