The Timeline of a Car Crash Claim

How Long an Auto Accident Claim Takes, Stage by Stage

A car accident claim moves through stages that can take months or longer. The property damage part often resolves within weeks, while the injury claim usually waits until medical https://caraccidentlawyers.wiki/geography/united-states/georgia/metro-atlanta/johns-creek/ treatment has run its course. A car accident attorney can explain where a given claim stands, though every claim is different.

Right after the crash

Getting medical care comes first, even if injuries seem minor at the scene, and records from that first visit often become important evidence. Police usually write a crash report, and the report number is used to request a copy. Most auto policies require prompt notice to the policyholder's own insurer, even if the other driver was at fault. Photos of the scene, the cars and any visible injuries are easiest to get early, and dashcam files should be saved before they are overwritten.

Repairs and the first calls

The car is either repaired or declared a total loss, and the insurer pays for repairs or the actual cash value. Diminished value may be claimed in some states. The other driver's adjuster may request a recorded statement or make an early offer. Many people talk with a car crash lawyer at this stage, before a release is signed. A preservation letter can ask that video and event data recorder (EDR) data be kept.

The months of treatment

During treatment, the medical records and bills are collected, together with proof of missed work. Claims are often not valued until the injured person reaches maximum medical improvement, meaning the point at which doctors can describe the long-term outlook. An auto accident attorney then sends the insurer a demand package with the medical records and bills plus a damages summary. Some states regulate time-limited settlement demands by statute.

Settling before treatment ends

Once a release is signed, the claim is usually over for good, including any future medical costs tied to the crash. When a doctor expects surgery or ongoing care, those future costs are usually estimated before a demand goes out. A written opinion from the treating doctor can document them, and serious cases sometimes use a life care plan. An early settlement can leave those costs uncovered, while waiting too long can run into the filing deadline.

If the claim does not settle

The insurer may accept the demand, reject it or make a counteroffer. If negotiations stall, the next step is usually a lawsuit, which has to be filed before the statute of limitations runs. Every state sets its own deadline, and claims against government agencies can require written notice much sooner. In discovery, the parties exchange written interrogatories and documents and take depositions, and the defense may ask for an independent medical examination. Many courts require mediation before trial, and most cases resolve by settlement rather than verdict.

Resolution and payment

Settling a claim usually means signing a release. Before funds are paid out, liens from Medicare, Medicaid or health plans may need to be resolved, and settlements for minors may need court approval in many states. An automobile accident lawyer should provide a written closing statement that shows the fee, the costs and the net recovery. This is general information and not legal advice, and it cannot predict how long a particular claim will take.