Timeline for Settling a Car Accident Claim in Pennsylvania
Hurt in a motor vehicle crash? You are certainly not alone. Car accidents are consistently among the leading causes of serious injuries in Pennsylvania. Following a collision, you need compensation to pay bills and support your family. It is essential to understand how long it takes to get a car accident settlement in Pennsylvania. From a few months to over a year is within the normal range.
Three Main Factors Impact the Length of the Car Accident Injury Settlement Process
Our car accident lawyers provide an overview of the key factors impacting the time it takes to settle a claim.
Disputes Over Fault
If you are bringing a fault-based car accident injury claim in Pennsylvania, you must be prepared to prove liability. Disagreements about who is responsible for the accident can significantly delay the settlement process. Until fault is established, negotiations over the settlement amount will likely stall. A proactive investigation of your crash is a must.
Pennsylvania is a modified comparative negligence state (42 P.S. § 7102). Every percentage point of fault matters for your claim.
The Severity of Your Accident
As a rule, the more serious your crash (and your injuries), the more time it takes. To start, serious injuries often require ongoing treatment—and a settlement typically cannot be finalized until doctors have provided a clear prognosis and the victim has reached maximum medical improvement. Further, settlements tend to be larger with serious injuries. There is more at stake, and that can slow down the process.
Negotiation Strategy
Finally, your negotiation strategy can also greatly impact the time it takes to get a car accident injury settlement. A strong strategy that includes evidence of damages, medical expenses, and other costs can lead to a fairer settlement, but it requires time and patience.
Do Not Settle for Less than Full and Fair Compensation
Following a car accident in Pennsylvania, you need compensation to pay your bills and support your family. Do not agree to settle your claim for less than the full and fair financial compensation that you rightfully deserve. Our Delaware County auto accident lawyers can help. Along with other damages, you may be able to recover financial compensation for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical costs;
- Lost wages;
- Loss of earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Long-term disability;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- Wrongful death.
Contact Our Delaware County Car Accident Attorney Today
At Schmidt, Kirifides & Rassias, our Delaware County auto accident lawyers are here to help you take on the big insurance companies. Hurt in a crash? We can help you navigate all aspects of the settlement. Give us a call now or contact us online for a free, no-strings-attached case review. With an office in Media, we represent injured victims in Delaware County and throughout the region.