The Timeline of a Car Accident Claim

After a car accident, your medical bills may pile up and you may not be able to return to work to pay them. Once you have exhausted your no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) benefits in Florida, you may have to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit against the negligent party that caused your injuries. However, it will take some time to receive a settlement or successful verdict from a judge or jury that can help you cover your expenses. So, how long will it take? Our Tampa car accident attorney explains in further detail below.

Seeking Medical Attention 

Immediately after a car accident, it is critical to seek medical attention. You should do this at the scene when paramedics arrive, or visit an emergency room as soon as you leave the scene. Seeking medical attention as soon as possible can help you prove your case, including the amount of damages you are pursuing. If you wait too long to seek medical attention, it can provide the defense with the opportunity to argue that you were not as hurt as you claimed.

The Investigation 

When working with a Tampa car accident attorney, they will conduct an investigation into your case. They may visit the accident scene, gather your medical records, work with accident reconstruction specialists, and more to determine who is liable and prove your case. A lawyer may continue their investigation until your case is nearly resolved, or you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI), meaning your injuries will not become worse but they also will not become better.

The Demand Letter

Your lawyer will also send a demand letter to the insurance company representing the at-fault party. The demand letter outlines the basic facts of the accident and the amount of damages you are pursuing. After receiving the demand letter, the insurance company will also conduct an investigation and this can take anywhere from between one to three months to complete.

Negotiations 

Your attorney will negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to reach a fair settlement offer. Settlement negotiations often take three to six months, although this timeline can vary depending on the complexities of your case.

Trial

If the insurance company refuses to act in good faith and offer a fair settlement, you may have to take your case to trial. Trials involve many stages, including discovery, which is typically the longest. Discovery allows each side to exchange information and evidence with the other party and it takes approximately six months. After the discovery phase, the trial will begin and this can take anywhere between a few days to a few weeks. A settlement can be negotiated at any point until a judge or jury reaches a verdict.

Our Car Accident Attorney in Tampa Can Protect Your Best Interests

The financial hardship of a car accident is extremely stressful but it is important that you do not settle too quickly. At Moore Law, our Tampa car accident attorney can conduct a full investigation and collect evidence to prove your case to the insurance company or the courts so you obtain the full and fair damages you are entitled to. Call us now at 813-510-5400 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0768/0768.html