In Connecticut, there is no straightforward answer to the question of how long it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit after a car accident. Depending on the particulars and circumstances of your case, the time necessary to resolve your claim will vary.
Connecticut has an approximate one-and-a-half-year average from the date of injury to the final settlement. Generally speaking, most personal injury cases are settled out of court, so most of the time, litigation is not required.
In addition to the recovery process for injured parties, each accident requires a period of time for investigation and evidence gathering. The duration of the settlement phase subsequent to an accident can span from weeks to years, contingent upon the specific circumstances of the accident and injuries. While it may be disheartening to learn this, securing fair compensation for damages frequently requires strategic and laborious negotiations involving the opposing counsel, insurance companies, and your attorney.
Although settlements are the most common way of resolving personal injury claims, that does not mean you should quickly accept every offer that is presented to you. Insurance companies use tactics like stalling and delaying in an effort to persuade the injured party to make a deal. Although the legal process can seem never-ending, exercising patience is a critical factor in maximizing one's compensation.
Although every case is unique, the majority go through the same steps, which are listed below, from beginning to end. Please get in touch with us at any time if you have any questions or would like to talk with a personal injury attorney in Connecticut. An attorney at Brandon J. Broderick would love to help you.
Months 1 and 2: After Suffering Injuries in an Accident, the Victim Initiates Medical Treatment and Retains a Personal Injury Attorney in Connecticut
In the majority of instances, an injury will be immediately apparent following a car accident. It is critical that you seek medical attention even if there are no visible injuries in certain situations, such as a car accident. Possible internal injuries requiring medical attention may serve as the foundation for a claim for personal injury. Consult with an experienced CT personal injury attorney who can evaluate the merits of your legal claim and safeguard your legal rights immediately following treatment.
Months 6 Through 12: Keep Receiving Medical Care Until You Recover or Reach Your Maximum Level of Improvement
It is critical to initiate treatment as soon as you become aware of your injury. This step is critical for two distinct reasons. First, obtaining appropriate medical care will facilitate your recovery from your injuries. Secondly, without documentation of post-accident medical treatment in your records, your attorney will not be able to prove the extent of your injuries. Typically, you will have finished treatment within six to twelve months of the accident date. Recovery time may be extended by an additional four to six months, or even longer, in cases involving more severe injuries.
Months 12 Through 15: Compile All Accident and Injury-Related Paperwork, Such as Bills, Medical Records, and Any Outstanding Debts
The evidence collection process will be initiated by your attorney following the conclusion of your medical treatment. Thoroughly documenting all expenditures accrued in relation to your injury is of the utmost importance. It is critical that your attorney obtain duplicates of all important documents pertaining to liens, including medical bills, records, and records concerning medical expenses that may be significant in your case. Your attorney will initiate correspondence with all physician's offices where you have received treatment in order to obtain your medical records. Your attorney must await the doctor's office's submission of all necessary documents, a process that may take several months. Your attorney will use each of the bills and records to develop your case and determine the total amount of damages. Your attorney might be unable to establish the full extent of your damages if you fail to provide all required documentation.
Months 12 Through 16: Your Lawyer Will Draft, Send, and Initiate Settlement Negotiations in a Demand Letter
An attorney will compose a "Demand Letter" directed at the defendant's insurance company at this juncture of the personal injury timeline. A request for a settlement offer is made to the insurance company in the correspondence. A representative of the insurance company will assess the evidence and correspond with your attorney regarding settlement negotiations. In most cases, the insurance company will initially offer a protracted settlement offer, whereas your attorney will demand a substantially higher dollar amount. Your attorney will advise you on the most effective course of action in regards to the offer via communication. In the majority of cases, after this process of negotiation, settlement agreements are reached.
If a settlement agreement is not reached, it is likely that your case will advance to the litigation phase. This indicates that your case will be heard by the court system. Should the court proceedings ensue, your attorney will provide you with guidance. Personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years in Connecticut, per a statute of limitations. Therefore, if you have sustained injuries in a car accident, it is imperative that you seek the counsel of an experienced personal injury attorney in Connecticut.
Months 14 through 20: Finish the settlement paperwork, pay off all outstanding debts, and Close the case
Upon accepting the insurance company's settlement proposal, you will receive a settlement agreement and release. The resolution of the case will be formally acknowledged with your signature on the aforementioned document. A trust account will be utilized to transfer the settlement amount to your attorney. Any unpaid bills and liens will be negotiated and resolved with the assistance of your attorney. After the settlement is finalized and all obligations, including bills, liens, attorney's fees, and costs, have been satisfied with the settlement funds, your attorney will personally deliver the remaining balance to you.
Brandon J. Broderick Can Assist You With Your CT Personal Injury Lawsuit Following a Car Accident Today
On a daily basis, there are unexpected car accidents that cause serious injuries. They can have a devastating effect on a person's health, wealth, and quality of life when they do happen. The amount of compensation that is awarded to you will be determined by the manner in which the case is managed after the accident. You are entitled to compensation for your losses if they were caused by the negligence of another party. With our help, you will not have to deal with insurance companies or the opposing party's lawyers on your own.
At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, our Connecticut personal injury attorneys place a high value on providing exceptional service for our clients and exhibit empathy in light of the difficult situations they face. Due to this, we maintain our position as one of the top personal injury law firms in Connecticut. You can place your trust in us, particularly considering our remarkable track record of success. Our legal professionals have amassed a wealth of professional experience on behalf of clients in a wide variety of personal injury cases. We have helped many people, just like you.
Please contact us today for a free consultation in which we can discuss the particulars of your case and assist you in regaining control of your life.