If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you are surely wondering how long it will take to get compensation. We get it – this is a stressful time. You’re dealing with pain and medical bills while trying to get your life back on track. The good news is there are steps you can take to settle your injury claim in a reasonable timeframe under Georgia law.
Beow, a Lawrenceville personal injury lawyer walks you through the typical timeline and what factors impact how long the process takes.
Factors That Determine How Long an Injury Claim Takes in Georgia
The more severe and complex your injury, the longer the claims process typically takes. Catastrophic injuries like spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, or injuries requiring multiple surgeries will involve extensive medical evidence to prove fault and calculate damages.
Minor soft tissue injuries may settle sooner, while severe, life-changing injuries could take years to resolve. Some insurance companies work to resolve claims efficiently, while others use delay tactics to avoid paying fair compensation. If the at-fault party’s insurance company disputes liability, is slow to collect evidence, or makes lowball settlement offers, the timeline will drag on.
Minor Injury Claims (3-6 months)
For minor injuries like soft tissue damage, minor fractures, or limited damage, the settlement process typically takes 3 to 6 months. The initial claim filing and review usually takes around 30 to 60 days. Insurance companies will evaluate medical records, bills, and other details to determine liability and gauge the severity of injuries.
Severe Injury Claims (6-18 months+)
For major injuries requiring extensive treatment, hospitalization, surgery, or resulting in permanent impairment, the timeline to settle can take six months to over a year. Severe, complex injuries require comprehensive medical evaluation and often rehabilitation or physical therapy.
Strategies to Settle Your Injury Claim Sooner
To get your injury claim settlement as quickly as possible in Georgia, there are a few strategies you can employ.
1. Hire an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Working with an experienced personal injury attorney in Georgia will help move the process along. They know the ins and outs of the system and the strategies that tend to lead to faster settlements. They can determine the appropriate amount to demand from the insurance company to get them to settle promptly.
2. Build a Solid Case
Providing thorough evidence to support your claim will compel the insurance company to settle faster. This includes obtaining police and medical reports that document your injuries, witness statements, photos of the accident scene, medical bills, records of lost wages, etc. The more compelling your evidence, the harder it will be for the insurance company to dispute your claim.
3. Set a Deadline
Working with your attorney, set a reasonable deadline for the insurance company to make an offer to settle your injury claim. Put the deadline in writing and submit it to the adjuster handling your claim. Let them know that if they do not make an acceptable offer by the deadline, you will file a personal injury lawsuit. The threat of litigation is often motivation for an insurance company to settle a claim.
4. Be Willing to Go to Trial
If settlement negotiations reach an impasse, you may need to be willing to take your case to court. Filing a personal injury lawsuit shows the insurance company you are serious and committed to getting full compensation for your damages. Going to trial also exposes the insurance company to the possibility of having to pay out significantly more than a settlement.
If You Have More Questions About Your Settlement, Reach Out to a Lawrenceville Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, an experienced Lawrenceville injury attorney will fight for you to get you maximum compensation as soon as possible.
Don’t settle your injury claim for less than you deserve. Contact us today at 678-635-9939 for a free case evaluation.
