How Long Will My Car Accident Case Take?
Dealing with life after a car accident can be tough, especially when you’re facing a pile of medical bills and repair expenses. When things are already challenging, the idea of filing a lawsuit to cover these costs might sound like a good plan. But here’s the catch: the whole process can take longer than you’d want, and it depends on several factors. So, while you’re trying to sort out the aftermath of the accident, the legal side of things might not move as quickly as you’d hope. It’s important to know this upfront, so you have a realistic view of what to expect while you’re working to get the compensation you deserve for the mess the accident has caused in your life.
Four common factors that affect the length of your case
The short answer to how long your car accident lawsuit is that there is no clear answer. There are several factors that can determine the length of a car accident lawsuit. With simpler cases, it might take a few weeks or months for you to receive compensation. In more complicated cases, it may be a year or two (or even longer) before your lawsuit reaches a conclusion.
Although many factors can affect how long your case will take, four common ones are :
- Injuries. If you’ve been seriously hurt in a car accident, it’s likely that the lawsuit process will take longer. This is because severe injuries often mean more medical treatments, a lengthier recovery, and ongoing assessments of how your injuries will affect your life in the long run. Dealing with these complexities can extend negotiations with insurance companies or the time it takes for your case to go through the court system. Additionally, the severity of your injuries might require expert testimony from doctors or specialists to fully explain the extent of your suffering. While the legal process aims to be fair, cases with severe injuries can naturally take more time due to the detailed evaluations involved.
- Damages. Your long-term medical expenses will probably make up a significant portion of your damages, but there are others to consider. Lost income, including loss of benefits and other perks, can take time to establish. This is especially true when it comes to assessing any loss of future earnings or earning potential. Non-economic damages, such as those of pain and suffering, can also be subject to longer negotiations.
- Liability. Figuring out who is responsible (and therefore liable) in a car accident can influence how long it takes to reach a resolution. If it’s clear who caused the accident, things might move more quickly. But if there’s a dispute about who’s at fault, it can prolong the process. If your accident involves multiple parties – all of whom are trying to shift liability to one another – that can increase the time it takes.
- Investigations. Any incidents involving criminal activity or federal oversight will almost always take longer. For example, train investigations will take far longer because the National Transportation Safety Board must finish its investigation first. In a crash involving a drunk driver, especially a fatal crash, the criminal case (if there is one) usually happens first.
A car accident case can get complicated for different reasons, and when it does, it might take longer to sort things out. If there are disagreements about who’s responsible, if there are serious injuries, or if there are disputes with insurance companies, these things can make the case more complex. It’s a bit like solving a puzzle – the more pieces there are, the longer it might take. However, having a skilled Columbus car accident attorney can help streamline the process, ensuring that complexities are navigated effectively to work towards a resolution as efficiently as possible.
How can I speed up my car accident lawsuit?
When you want your car accident case to proceed without any delays, doing a few key things can really help. First, getting medical help right away and following your treatment plan shows how serious your injuries are. Keeping good communication with your lawyer, collecting strong evidence like pictures and statements from witnesses, and cooperating during the legal process all make things move faster. Also, if both sides are open to talking and finding a fair agreement, or if you try methods like mediation, it can help wrap things up quicker. Having a skilled lawyer, sticking to legal deadlines, and getting ready for a trial are also important to avoid delays. Remember, every case is different, so finding the right balance between wanting it to be fast and making sure it’s fair is key as you go through your car accident case.
At Soroka & Associates, we understand the challenges you face after a car accident, and our experienced team is dedicated to guiding you through the legal process with expertise and compassion. Our skilled Columbus personal injury attorneys have helped countless clients in car accident cases, offering personalized assistance tailored to their unique situation. From the initial consultation, we work diligently to assess the specifics of your case, ensuring a thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding the accident. Whether it’s gathering compelling evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, or preparing a strong case for trial, we are committed to pursuing the best possible outcome for you. If you have been injured in a car accident, and are looking to receive fair compensation, schedule a free consultation with us by calling our Columbus office, or use our contact page. We proudly serve clients throughout central Ohio.