After a car crash, you may wonder how long it will take to resolve your claim. Several factors can play a role in this process and impact the timeline for obtaining damages.
A seasoned car collision attorney with experience working with local judges and insurers could assess your circumstances and give a more personalized estimate about the length of a Houston car accident case. Schedule an initial consultation today to find out more.
Primary Factors in the Length of a Car Wreck Case
The four main factors that will contribute to the length of a car crash case in Houston include the following:
- Liability for the collision
- The complexity of the case
- Which insurance companies are involved
- The extent of the damages
All of these will impact estimates of damage awards, determining who is responsible for the accident and their willingness to pay for the damages.
The Benefits of Hiring an Attorney
Another factor impacting the length of a Houston car wreck case is whether someone hires an attorney to represent them. However, it is an oversimplification to suggest that a lawyer’s involvement will resolve a case more quickly.
In some scenarios, an injured party may accept a lowball settlement offer without an attorney’s guidance, which may result in the case closing faster but the individual receiving inadequate compensation. Securing legal counsel can communicate to insurance companies that a person is serious about negotiations and pursuing fair damages.
Liability in Car Collision Cases
In a simple case, only two vehicles are involved; one is clearly at fault, and the injuries are easy to identify. Many car accidents fall under this umbrella. However, plenty of things can complicate determining fault.
Multi-Car Crashes
The first factor that can complicate a fault determination is when more than two vehicles are involved in a wreck. In multi-car accidents, the investigators must determine which vehicle began the chain reaction and whether that driver was negligent.
Third-Party Liability
This can also be an issue in two- or even one-car crashes. Sometimes, the driver is not negligent, but another party may be at fault. Third-party liability suggests that a party other than the ones in the collision was responsible for causing it. Municipalities that maintain roads, auto manufacturers, construction companies, pedestrians, bike riders, and mechanics are some examples of potential third parties that could be responsible for an accident.
If liability is at issue, tracking down who is responsible may take time. For example, the other driver may appear at fault because they ran a stoplight or sign. However, they may assert that brake failure led to the action, which could lead to third-party responsibility. Finding who is to blame can be time-consuming, extending the time of the claim.
When Insurance Companies Drag Out Accident Claims
Insurance companies are not in the business of trying to pay people large damage claims and lower payments lead to higher profits. However, some insurance companies have reputations for dealing fairly and promptly with people. Others are known for trying to drag out the process. Making people wait for a settlement can pressure them to take a lower amount.
A Houston attorney who handles lengthy car wreck cases could work with local insurers and help clients negotiate a fair settlement.
The Extent of the Damages Influences the Length of the Claim
In an auto collision case, the damages are often directly related to the plaintiff’s injuries. Typically, harm is apparent immediately after the crash, and the medical bills are complete when the person makes a claim.
However, when someone has a complex injury, they may have ongoing physical injuries that require lifelong care. Understanding the extent of the injuries and the plaintiff’s full prognosis can take months. Delaying a settlement or pursuing a claim long enough to fully understand the extent of one’s injuries may be an effective strategy.
Learn More About Factors Impacting the Length of a Car Accident Case in Houston
Many factors impact how long it might take to resolve a car collision claim. A dedicated personal injury attorney could help you better understand how long your situation might take.
We could discuss the factors that might impact the length of a Houston car accident case and what to expect. Schedule a consultation with our knowledgeable legal team today to learn more.