Maison Law helps injury victims in California car accidents through the legal process. Most of our clients have numerous questions about their options, but one of the most common involves how long the claims process will take. There’s no easy answer there, other than to say it depends on several factors. Our team will be there to guide and support you from start to finish. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Long Does a Car Accident Claim Take?
Whenever there’s a car accident, there’s a claims process in place to help you or anyone else that’s been injured. And while there’s a general process, every actual claim is different. There’s no real guideline for how long your claim will take, but there are certain factors that will at least influence how long it would take:
- Type of accident – Usually, the less complicated your accident is, the less time your claim will take. If it was just a minor collision between you and another driver with minor injuries, the easier it will be to untangle everything. On the other hand, if there’s more people involved or it’s a serious accident with heavy injuries, the process can take longer.
- Evidence – Along the same lines, if you don’t have a lot of evidence, it probably won’t take as long for your case to wrap up. Generally, you’ll have to present whatever evidence and information you have to an insurance company (or defense lawyers), who will then evaluate it. The less evidence you have, though, the weaker your claim will be.
- Injuries – Unfortunately, not every car accident is the same in terms of injuries. The more hurt you are and the more extensive your injuries, the longer it will take to compile records and present evidence. At the same time, this also makes your claim potentially stronger in terms of the damages you can get.
Filing a claim after a car accident is important for covering your medical bills, lost income, and other damages. The time it takes can vary–some cases settle quickly, while others may take years. That said, everything depends on the circumstances, and to be prepared, you have to understand how the process actually works.
What’s the Claims Process After a Car Accident?
Every car accident is different, but as a victim, you typically have two options for filing a claim: through insurance or by filing a lawsuit.
- Insurance claim – The first step is usually to file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance. An adjuster will review your case and often offer a settlement. Settling through insurance can be quicker and less costly, but it may not fully cover your damages, and the final amount is up to the insurance company.
- Lawsuit – If you file a lawsuit, it may take longer and involve more resources, but it could lead to higher damages. We can help handle the paperwork, court preparation, negotiation, and trial representation if needed.
There’s no guarantee of success, but our experienced team works to get you fair compensation, which may include costs relating to your:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Car repair or replacement costs
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Punitive damages in some cases
- Wrongful death expenses
In California, you must file your claim within two years of the accident. Missing this deadline could cost you your right to seek damages. The outcome and amount you get depends on many different things, so it’s extremely important to know how to strengthen a claim.
What Can You Do to Strengthen Your Car Accident Claim?
The moments after a car accident can be overwhelming, especially if injuries are involved. However, taking the right steps immediately can improve your chances of a successful claim:
- Call 911 – If it’s safe to do so, move your vehicle out of traffic. Check yourself and any passengers for injuries, and call 911 to get help on the way.
- Exchange information – Make sure to share your contact and insurance details with the other driver(s) involved in the accident.
- Contact the police – It’s important to report the accident, especially if there are injuries, significant damage, or if the other driver isn’t cooperating. Either have the 911 dispatcher send the local police or call them yourself.
- Get medical attention – Even if you don’t feel seriously hurt, it’s a good idea to get checked by paramedics at the scene. Follow up with your doctor to make sure you’re okay or to treat any injuries that show up later.
- Take photos – Use your phone to take pictures of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles, your injuries, and any important road signs or conditions.
- Talk to your insurance company – Report the accident as soon as possible to start the claims process with your insurance company.
- Keep track of everything – Save all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, car repair estimates, and any communication with insurance companies.
By taking these steps, you’ll protect both your health and your ability to file a strong claim for any damages. A stronger claim might take a little longer, but it will mean you’ll get the necessary financial support to get better.
Free Consultations After a California Car Accident
Nobody wants to get injured in a car accident in California, but unfortunately, it’s one of the most common types of accidents there is. More importantly, every case is different. At Maison Law, our California car accident lawyers focus on your needs and what you want from the legal process. If you or someone you care about has been hurt and wants to talk about their legal options, contact us today for a free consultation.
