Hundreds of thousands of accidents are witnessed every year. Most of them include car accidents, workplace accidents, or accidents on public property. As a result, the victims are faced with economic, non-economic, and emotional damages.
Through a personal injury claim, the affected individuals are reimbursed. However, the duration through which these personal injury claims are settled varies.
On average, you get your State Farm insurance claim settled between a month and several years.
Here are some of the factors that would determine how long your personal injury claim would take.
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Complexity of the accident
In the case where an accident is more complex, it is likely to take more time compared to a less complex one. Contradicting witness statements could influence this. Determining the occurrence of events and the validity of every statement made could take more time.
Lack of evidence or little evidence creates gaps in the investigation, which could be disputed. Thus affecting the length of your personal injury claim.
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Severity of Injuries
Injuries obtained from different accidents vary in severity. Incidences with fewer effects are likely to be settled in less time. If the victim suffered minor injuries and took a shorter time to recover, then the settlement period is shorter.
However, accidents involving intense pain, loss, and suffering will impact your personal injury claim. In cases where long-term effects, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, are present, the duration will be much longer.
The medical treatment period will have an impact on the timelines, as it is a determinant of the claim resolution.
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Court Scheduling and Delays
Limited chances for court hearings and postponement affect the duration in which the personal injury claim could be processed. Besides, court days are also influenced by the national calendars; public holidays may push trial days.
This is also influenced by your legal representatives, such as attorneys. The duration they take to access the incident, do their investigation, and seek negotiations will also influence the date you get a hearing at the court.
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The Attorney
Besides influencing your court hearings, your attorney is responsible for how you get your State Farm insurance claim. Their promptness in communication with your insurance company is important for negotiations and settlement.
An experienced personal injury attorney is likely to have a streamlined process to handle the issue from their previous cases. Their familiarity with the legal procedures will allow them to act effectively each step of the way.
An attorney’s negotiation skill is one factor to consider when choosing them for your case. Their ability to understand the tactics applied to maximize settlement and their knowledge of the laws surrounding the issue at hand are key to your case.
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Negotiations and Settlement Offers
This phase is handled by both parties’ attorneys. The damages that are first evaluated could be medical expenses or any other form of loss. In this case, your attorney has to assess the damage keenly so that nothing is overlooked.
Afterward, they draft an offer letter that outlines the case, the extent of damages, and a monetary value that could settle the damages. After the initial settlement has been presented to the opposing party, back-and-forth negotiations usually follow.
The duration these two parties take to negotiate a fair settlement will influence the time it will take to complete your State Farm insurance claim.
The process of claiming your personal injury claim goes beyond the insurance company. You have to consider the nature of the accident and its effects and make informed decisions at every step. Getting yourself an experienced personal injury attorney will enhance the process.