Auto accident injuries can become significant sources of stress as you struggle with medical bills, lost wages, and other unanticipated expenses stemming from the crash. In the meantime, you are coping with your physical recovery and other sources of mental and emotional stress. While you have the right to pursue compensation following an auto accident in Riverside County, you may wonder how long it will take to obtain the settlement you need to cover these costs. Let’s look at some factors that may determine your auto accident settlement timeline.
Gathering Evidence to Support Your Claim
When you prepare an auto accident claim, you and your attorney will want to provide as much evidence as possible to maximize your settlement. The process of interviewing witnesses and gathering important documents like doctor’s evaluations, medical bills, and similar paperwork often takes time. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, it may take a considerable amount of time to collect, evaluate, and document all the evidence you need to file a successful claim.
Insurance Companies May Attempt to Undermine Your Claim
Auto insurance companies believe in protecting their bottom lines, so they may use tactics to undermine or discredit your claim to save themselves money. They may also take their time responding to your claim or making a settlement offer, dragging out the process as much as possible. Working with an experienced auto accident lawyer is the best way to hold the insurance companies accountable and ensure that they participate in the claims process in a timely manner.
Pushing For an Equitable Settlement Offer
When an auto insurance company finally issues a settlement offer, they will likely attempt to lowball you in the hopes that you’ll accept the offer out of impatience. They often count on your desire to obtain compensation as quickly as possible, figuring that you will accept any amount just to conclude the process. However, you have the right to push for a more favorable settlement—it just might take a little longer. Your attorney will negotiate a fairer settlement offer to ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Learn more about the auto accident settlement timeline in Temecula by calling Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation, today at (951) 489-3320.