Being injured in an accident is an incredibly stressful and traumatic experience. When researching your legal options, you may wonder, How long does a settlement take?
Here is everything you need to know about the timeline for settlement payouts when working with a personal injury attorney.
If you gave questions, please give Wells Call Injury Lawyers a call at (707) 289-8442 or send us a message today for a free consultation.
How Long Does a Settlement Take After Filing a Claim?
After filing a claim, it can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years to reach a settlement. Ultimately, it depends on the unique circumstances of the case. Cases involving minor injuries may settle in just a few weeks.
In contrast, more serious injuries that result in permanent disability may take longer to fight. Unfortunately, insurance companies use several tactics to delay the settlement process.
This is why it’s important to hire an attorney who has experience negotiating settlements and taking them to trial if necessary.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Settlement from a Car Accident After Signing the Agreement?
Once you get the insurance company to sign a settlement agreement, it takes up to six weeks to receive the settlement check.
However, there are a few steps that must be taken before you receive the final payout.
Step One: Accident Expenses
Depending on the specifics of your case, your attorney first uses your settlement to pay for any outstanding bills or credit.
This typically comes in the form of medical liens and vehicle repairs. If you already paid your accident-related expenses, this step won’t apply to your case.
Step Two: Attorney Fees
Once you pay for all liens on your settlement, the next portion of your settlement goes toward attorney fees. Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis.
This means that they only receive payment if they successfully settle or win your case.
When you hire an attorney, they should provide you with a fee schedule based on your case. After the case settles, they will provide an itemized list of charges, such as court filing fees, travel fees, etc.
Step Three: Compensation
After paying for any outstanding settlement liens and attorney fees, the rest of the settlement goes to the plaintiff. This comes in the form of a check from the law firm managing your case.
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to pick up the check in person or receive it by mail. You’ll also get a copy of your legal fee statement and the settlement agreement.
Injured in an Accident? Contact Us Today
At Wells Call, we understand how difficult it is to physically, emotionally, and financially recover from an accident.
When injured, it’s essential to retain an attorney to answer your questions and give your case the attention it needs. Our California car accident lawyers use a personalized approach with every client, so they don’t have to face recovery alone.
To schedule a free case review, contact us online or give us a call at (707) 289-8442. We serve clients living in Napa, Fairfield, Vallejo, Richmond, and surrounding California communities.