How Long Does It Take To Get a Settlement Check From a Phoenix Car Accident?

October 26, 2023 | Car Accidents

How Long Does It Take To Get a Settlement Check From a Phoenix Car Accident?

If you were injured in a Phoenix car accident, you are probably anxious to get your settlement check so you can pay off your medical bills and other expenses that have piled up since your injury. Many people wonder, “How long does it take to get an insurance check?” Here is what you need to know about this issue. 

How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take To Settle?

How long a particular claim may take to settle can vary and will depend on the specific circumstances surrounding the case. The ultimate timing will depend on state law, as well as factors specific to your case, with some victims receiving their car accident settlement check within a few months while others wait a year or longer. 

The best way to determine how long you might be expecting to wait for your settlement is to work with an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Steps Involved in the Settlement Process 

There are many steps involved in the settlement process, including:

Investigation 

After the accident, the insurance company will launch an investigation to determine how the accident occurred and whether their driver was liable. Your lawyer may also want to conduct an independent investigation and gather evidence to establish your claim, such as:

  • The accident report
  • Photos or videos of the accident scene
  • Witness statements
  • Medical records
  • Wage loss statements 

The insurance company will want to limit its liability, so it will not be invested in trying to find all of the evidence to establish its driver’s fault or the full extent of your damages. This is another reason why it’s important to work with a skilled personal injury lawyer.

Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI)

Once you settle your car accident case, you cannot come back later and demand more money. This is true even if you discover additional injuries or expenses stemming from the accident. 

This is why your lawyer will want you to reach maximum medical improvement, which is the point at which you have recovered as much as can be expected. 

At this point, it will be easier to determine the full value of your damages so your lawyer will know this information when negotiating for a car accident settlement. 

Negotiation

Once your lawyer can calculate the full extent of your damages and has the evidence to establish liability, they will try to negotiate your claim for its maximum value. The insurance company may respond to an initial demand for compensation with an outright denial or a lower counteroffer. There may be several rounds of negotiation before you and your lawyer agree to a settlement for your claim. 

Settlement 

The settlement will consist of you signing documents releasing the insurance company and defendant from any further legal action or liability stemming from the accident. The insurance company will mail your settlement check to your lawyer. 

As you can see, receiving your car accident settlement check is the last step in this long process. 

Factors That Can Affect How Long Your Case Takes To Settle 

“How long does a car accident settlement take?” does not have a clear answer because there are individual factors that can affect each case. Some cases may be resolved within a few weeks or months, while others may take longer. 

Some of these factors include:

  • The severity of your injuries, with catastrophic injury cases generally taking much longer to resolve
  • Whether liability is in dispute 
  • Whether multiple parties contributed to the accident
  • Whether you contributed to the accident
  • Ease or difficulty of obtaining evidence of your damages
  • The insurance company involved and its internal policies
  • Whether you have to pay off medical liens first

Having a lawyer can help expedite the process and prevent your claim from being delayed.

Set Up a Free Consultation With a Phoenix Car Accident Lawyer

It’s important to protect your legal rights and interests after a car accident. You may be able to recover substantial compensation from the at-fault party, but the insurance company won’t make it easy.
Since most car accident lawyers in Phoenix offer free consultations, it’s likely in your best interest to at least reach out and determine whether you need legal representation. Keep in mind as well that car accident attorneys work on contingency, which means they only get paid if you do.

Contact the Arizona Car Accident Lawyers at Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers Today

If you were injured in an accident in Phoenix, AZ, and need legal help, contact our Phoenix car accident attorneys at Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.

Curiel & Runion Personal Injury Lawyers
1221 E Osborn Rd. Suite 201
Phoenix, AZ 85014
(602) 595-5559