How Long Does a Car Accident Settlement Usually Take?

The overall impact of a car accident on your life can be overwhelming. Not only can the accident cause physical injury and damages, but also financial worry for those involved. Medical bills, repair costs, and transportation costs start to add up. In addition, many people cannot work after an accident and don’t have any money coming in.

Understandably, you probably have questions regarding how long it will take to get a settlement for your car accident case and how much compensation you can receive.

All car accident cases are unique, and the amount of time it takes to settle your case depends on many factors. Therefore, it is essential to have an experienced legal team who can answer your questions and help you get the best settlement as soon as possible. Our clients will tell you themselves.

“When I got in my car accident, I didn’t know what to do. I only thought of the worst outcomes, and my mom said call Richard Schwartz! I’m glad I did because my medical bills are paid, and I’m stress-free. It really took that one call. I love this company!” —Gina Jefferson

How Much Money Should I Expect For My Settlement?

Car accident settlements vary. A lot goes into determining how much you should ask for in a car accident settlement. An attorney might give you a settlement estimate based on the severity of the accident and injuries. However, don’t accept a settlement offer from an insurance company until you consult with your accident lawyer. Our injury lawyers frequently find expenses the insurance adjuster hasn’t factored into their settlement offer. The insurance company doesn’t want to tell you about extra costs that should be covered because they want to pay the least amount possible.

A car accident lawyer from Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A. will get you the most compensation possible for your car accident. We also understand the process and avoid mistakes that could increase how long it takes to receive your settlement payment.

The amount of your settlement check depends on the circumstances of your accident and the damages you incurred. Every case is unique and must be looked at individually. The majority of Mississippi car accident cases are resolved via settlement negotiations. A Richard Schwartz & Associates car accident lawyer will examine each factor to calculate a fair amount to request in your car accident settlement.

Severity of Injuries

If you’re mildly injured, your medical costs will likely be much lower than someone who’s suffered a catastrophic injury requiring life-long care. However, specific factors can affect an insurer’s evaluation of how severe your car accident injuries were. Such factors are how soon you sought treatment after your crash and how long it took you to recover from your injuries.

Current and Future Medical Expenses

After a car wreck, it is vital to receive the medical care you need. Do not let the fear of receiving medical bills prevent you from getting all the necessary care to heal physically and emotionally from your wreck.

Keep all of your medical records and medical bills associated with the accident. Your personal injury lawyer will analyze your medical records and talk with medical professionals as necessary to substantiate your injury claim. This information will help determine if your maximum medical improvement has been reached and determine any ongoing care you will require.

Validity of Claims

You should seek all the treatment necessary to help with your injuries. However, some insurance companies will try to deny certain medical care expenses. Therefore, it is important to tell your medical provider everything about your accident and all the injuries you sustained.

Cost of Repairs and Rental Car Costs

The cost to repair or replace your vehicle can be substantial whether or not it’s determined that your car is a total loss. Also, you might need a rental car while you’re unable to drive your automobile or until you find a new vehicle.

Current and Future Lost Wages

Many times, a crash victim will be unable to work for some time due to injuries. Because a settlement should reimburse you for missed wages, the amount of money you make will factor into the final amount of your accident settlement. Your car accident lawyer can analyze your earning statements to make sure we ask for the correct amount.

Suppose your injuries affect your ability to perform your job or require new training or education because you need to learn skills to do a different job. Then we would adjust our settlement request to compensate you appropriately. In addition, your pay and position would likely increase each year, so a settlement should take your career progression and goals into account.

If you normally bring income into your household and are suddenly unable to because of someone else’s negligence, Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A. will fight for your right to receive fair compensation for missed paychecks.

Other Economic Damages

If you have other expenses as a result of the crash, keep records of those as well. For example, you may be unable to drive, a situation requiring you to hire a transportation company to get you to and from medical appointments. Or maybe you need to hire childcare to get the kids from school and watch them while you’re receiving treatment. Our team wants to help you identify all valid damages so we can ask for the compensation you deserve.

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and Suffering

You may have heard of people who receive money because of “pain and suffering.” You may be entitled to these damages even in minor accidents. The worse the injuries and the greater their effect on your life, the more you can ask for in pain and suffering damages.

Disfigurement and Scarring

Disfigurement and scarring are long-lasting effects that you can suffer due to an automobile wreck.

Loss of Enjoyment and Loss of Consortium

Loss of enjoyment is when you can no longer participate in activities that used to bring you joy. And the loss of consortium is the interference in your intimate relationship with a spouse or domestic partner due to the accident.

Mississippi Insurance Rules

Percentage of Fault

According to Mississippi Code section 11-7-15, the state follows a pure comparative negligence system for personal injury lawsuits. In states with pure comparative negligence, the amount of liability depends on the percentage of fault by each party. For example, suppose the claimant is found 90% responsible for an accident by the judge or jury. The claimant can still collect 10% from the defendant. The defendant is liable for his 10% fault. So, the final car accident damages are awarded based on comparative liability.
Even if your case doesn’t go to court, be prepared for the insurance adjuster to attempt to reduce your payout based on pure comparative negligence. Your car accident lawyer will investigate your case to determine all of the contributing factors of your car accident.

Reducing your liability can make a big difference in the final settlement. When you work with Richard Schwartz & Associates attorneys, you’ll have a team on your side to push back against unfair insurance presumptions.

Mississippi Car Insurance Requirements

Car insurance coverage may be a factor in your claim. In Mississippi, you must purchase liability insurance and carry a card in your vehicle at all times to prove you have liability coverage. Drivers in Mississippi are required to maintain the following minimum coverage amounts:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $25,000 for property damage per accident

The penalties for not having these requirements are a $1,000 fine and a possible one-year license suspension.

How Long Do I Have to File a Car Accident Lawsuit in Mississippi?

Pain and suffering from car accidents are not always apparent right away. For this reason, Mississippi allows three years to file a lawsuit for both personal injury and property damage. The time starts on the day of the accident. Even one day after this deadline, you cannot file a lawsuit.

The Insurance Company Needs to Determine Fault and Liability

For insurance companies to settle a case, they must determine fault and liability. Who is at fault is usually easier to determine when it is a multi-vehicle accident.

It may be more challenging to determine who is at fault in a single-vehicle accident. The reason is that single-vehicle accidents can have many causes out of the driver’s control, like poor weather conditions, unsafe road conditions, or confusing road signs. However, most of the time, an insurance company will presume that the driver could have avoided the accident if they were driving safely. Therefore, the driver is usually held liable for a single-vehicle accident. However, if you believe you were not at fault, talk to an accident lawyer right away to handle your auto accident case.

Factors That Affect the Time it Takes to Settle a Car Accident Case

Legal or factual issues

The insurance company will argue that your claim is not valid. Liability is challenging to prove, and the negligence or recklessness of the driver who caused the accident is up for dispute.

The Value of Your Car Accident Case is High

Insurance companies want to avoid paying out large sums of money for auto accident victims even if it is a fair settlement. Insurance companies will try to wait you out so that you accept less compensation than you deserve.

You Are Still Recovering from the Car Accident

It is difficult to determine the overall costs of injuries from car accidents if the injured person is not at maximum medical improvement. In that case, the recovery process is ongoing, and the injury victim is still receiving treatment. The recovery process will impact the time it takes to settle a car accident.

The Personal Injury Lawyer You Hire

The personal injury lawyer you hire needs to be experienced and knowledgeable. Otherwise, there may be avoidable delays in your case.

How Long Does It Take to Be Paid After a Settlement?

Once the settlement process is completed, when will you get a settlement check? Of course, we want the responsible party to pay you as soon as possible. If you and the other party agree to settle your case in or out of court, the settlement agreement will contain the terms and conditions of payment.

The payment terms will determine how and when the at-fault party must compensate you. Typically, payment will either be received in a lump sum or by periodic payments.

• Lump-sum payments typically get paid within 30 days of the date of the settlement.
• Periodic payments require the responsible party to make monthly or semi-monthly payments over a specific time.

Why Choose the Personal Injury Lawyers at Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A.?

An experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyer will know how to accurately value your claim and determine what your claim is worth. Richard Schwartz. & Associates Injury Lawyers, P. A. has secured millions of dollars for victims of the most catastrophic accidents.

We understand that receiving your settlement check as quickly as possible is important and will help lessen some of the financial stress caused by your car accident. After having your life disrupted by a car accident, receiving fair financial help can be crucial in your recovery. Let our team help you determine the total amount you could be eligible to receive.

We Will Fight in Court

The Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A. law firm has the experience and knowledge to obtain the most compensation possible for your car accident case. We will negotiate as long as it takes until you get a fair car accident settlement. If we cannot settle with the insurance companies, we will be happy to go to trial and represent you in court. We will do whatever it takes to get a fair settlement in your personal injury case.

Your attorney will make you and your case a priority. We will explain each step in the settlement process and be available at any time to answer your questions. Your fight is our fight!

Call Today for Your Free Case Evaluation

Our law firm offers a free case evaluation. We take pride in helping every client who walks through our doors through their financial recovery. So don’t hesitate, call Richard Schwartz & Associates Injury Lawyers, P.A. today to schedule a free consultation at 601-988-8888. Or you can contact us online. We’re here for you 24/7.