The amount of time it could take to settle your car accident claim will depend on many different factors, such as the nature of the accident and the injuries you suffered. Although each case is different, most Georgia car accident cases settle within a few months to a year.
Settling a Car Accident in Georgia
If you or someone you love has been involved in a car accident, then you know the aftermath can be frustrating, especially when you need help covering the cost of injuries and damages. One of the most common questions people have is, how long will it take for me to receive my settlement in a Georgia car accident case? We wish there were an easy way to answer that question. Each Atlanta car accident is different, and there are many factors that go into how long a settlement will take.
What Factors Go into a Georgia Car Accident Settlement?
One of the most important things you need to keep in mind after a car accident is the importance of seeking medical attention. You may not feel symptoms until days after the accident. That is why it is important to get checked out in the immediate aftermath of a crash. Aside from any emergency medical care, you need to ensure you follow all of your doctor’s orders and go to all follow-up visits. This includes physical therapy and rehabilitation. A car accident settlement depends on how long it takes your medical treatment to be complete. Faster treatment generally leads to faster settlements. However, you should continue treatment as long as your doctor recommends. We also have to keep in mind how eager the insurance company of the at-fault driver is to settle the case. Remember, insurance companies are not your friends, and they are not looking to make major payouts if the damages are large (with serious injuries). If the insurance amount is small, the insurance carrier may wish to settle quickly. However, this may not be the best course of action. The first settlement offer is almost always going to be below what you should be receiving. Sometimes it makes sense to be patient while your attorney works to negotiate a higher settlement. We know that you probably have medical bills and other household expenses piling up, especially if you are unable to work while you recover. Lost income can put you and your family into financial jeopardy. However, if you have a solid case against the at-fault driver, a good lawyer will be willing to fight it out for a settlement that is fair to you. Patience is key. We also have to look at where a case is filed. Cases filed in rural Georgia tend to move to trial faster than cases filed in larger urban areas like Atlanta, Macon, Columbus, Savannah, or Augusta. Urban courts are busier, and cases filed there will move slower.
Georgia Car Accident Statistics
When we look at the data from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety, we see that there were nearly 400,000 vehicle crashes during the last full reporting year. Out of those crashes, there were:
- 1,430 crash fatalities
- 19,405 serious crash injuries
It is not uncommon for us to see the following injuries following a Georgia car accident:
- Broken and dislocated bones
- Severe lacerations
- Internal organ damage
- Internal bleeding
- Spinal cord injuries
- Whiplash injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussions
Each of these injuries requires immediate medical attention and often causes victims to miss work while they recover. Victims and their families are often left with tremendous medical expenses and no way to pay household bills.
Call an Attorney to Help with Your Case Today
If you or a loved one are injured in a Atlanta car accident, please seek legal assistance as soon as possible. A knowledgeable and experienced Atlanta car accident attorney will help you get the ball rolling so you can secure the compensation you deserve for all of your crash-related expenses. Each case is different, but your attorney will craft a path forward.
