How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in California?

For injury victims who have been waiting for the compensation they deserve after a devastating crash, the uncertainty can be frustrating and stressful. However, how long it takes to settle a car accident claim in California depends on a variety of factors.

If you have questions about the California car accident settlement process, the experienced personal injury attorneys at The Barnes Firm are ready to help. We can analyze the circumstances behind your case and give you our best estimate of how long it might take you to reach a settlement. Contact us online or call (800) 800-0000 today for a free consultation.

Factors That Affect the Settlement Time of Car Accident Claims

Key elements affecting the average car accident settlement time in California include the following:

• Nature and severity of injuries: Minor injuries often lead to simpler cases with faster resolutions, while major injuries create more complicated claims with higher stakes.
• Insurance company response time: In California, insurance companies can take up to 55 days to issue a decision after receiving your claim and 30 more days to issue payment if they accept it.
• Availability of evidence: If police reports, medical records, witness statements, and other key evidence are easily accessible and liability is clear-cut, the claim may resolve faster.
• Negotiations with insurance companies: Some insurers prefer to settle claims quickly, while others insist on dragging them through a costly and lengthy legal battle.
• Litigation or trial: If negotiations fail, litigation may be your only recourse, which will likely lengthen the timeline for a settlement.

Steps Involved in Settling a Car Accident Claim in California

Obtaining a car accident settlement in California after a crash generally involves the following steps:

• Filing a claim: After you submit a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, California law requires it to respond and acknowledge it within 15 days. Once the insurer receives a claim, it generally has 40 days to accept or deny it.
• Investigating and gathering evidence: Your attorney will collect the available supporting evidence and submit it with your claim. The insurer will analyze the information and investigate further.
• Negotiation with the insurance company: Your lawyer will accept or counter the insurer’s initial settlement offer, seeking to get you an award that fully compensates you for your injuries.
• Filing a lawsuit and litigating your case: If the insurance company refuses to pay you what you’re owed or drags its feet, you might have to take the case to court. However, most cases settle before trial, even after a lawsuit is filed.

The knowledgeable California car accident attorneys with The Barnes Firm can help handle your case every step of the way, ensuring the process goes smoothly.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim in California?

The timeline of a California car accident settlement process can vary, depending on a variety of circumstances. Hiring an experienced California personal injury attorney can speed up the process and help you get the car accident settlement you deserve.

Important factors that affect how long it takes to settle a car accident in California include:

The Size of the Claim

If your injuries require significant compensation, the insurance companies will put up a fight, resulting in delays and dragging out your car accident settlement time. The at-fault party may hire experts and highly experienced defense attorneys to avoid or reduce liability.

Time It Takes to Reach Maximum Medical Improvement

Maximum medical improvement, or MMI, occurs when a certified medical provider finds you’ve recovered from your injury as much as possible and your condition has stabilized. For some people, MMI means full recovery. Unfortunately, some people retain significant disabilities even after attaining MMI.

Though it can extend the duration of your car accident claim, legal experts encourage car accident victims to wait before filing a claim because they will continue incurring medical bills until they attain MMI. It is also challenging to establish future medical needs for people who suffer from lifelong injuries.

Waiting until you reach MMI can help establish how much compensation you deserve for the following medical-related costs:

• Surgical costs
• Consultation fees
• Hospitalization
• Prescription drugs
• Physical therapy
• Payment for diagnosis

Insurance Companies

How an insurance company responds to your claim can determine how long it may take to obtain a car accident settlement. Often, the willingness of an insurance provider to settle determines if you’ll get a speedy resolution.

Some insurance companies prefer a speedy resolution to avoid getting dragged into a messy court case. Unfortunately, some insurance companies are stubborn and only willing to settle once compelled to do so through litigation.

Complex Legal Issues

To prove you’re entitled to compensation for a car accident, you need sufficient evidence that the other driver caused the crash. Proof is readily available in some cases, while others may require a complex investigation to find fault. This is one of the reasons to hire a knowledgeable car accident lawyer in California.

If your attorney requires additional time in a fact-finding mission, the California car accident settlement process might drag out further.

Contact The Barnes Firm — Get Your Free Case Review Today

If you need help navigating the California car accident settlement process, the experienced lawyers at The Barnes Firm are ready to help you get the best result possible. Our trusted team is available 24/7 to take your call, and can meet you at the hospital, at home, or at our offices, wherever is most convenient for you.

Contact us online or call (800) 800-0000 today for a free case review.

Richard Barnes – President of The Barnes Firm

Richard Barnes: “As President of The Barnes Firm, I have dedicated my career to achieving justice in hundreds of cases for the victims of injuries caused through the fault of others. Additionally, I have been honored to have been elected Best Lawyer and a Super Lawyer”

Years of Experience: 30+ years
LinkedIn Profile: Richard Barnes