When Will I Get My Personal Injury Settlement?

If you’ve been injured in an accident that was someone else’s fault, you may wonder, “when will I get my personal injury settlement?” Regardless of where you are in the claims process—whether you haven’t even filed a claim yet or you’ve already signed a settlement agreement—the timeline of personal injury cases isn’t always clear.

Since you’re likely dealing with the financial strain of mounting medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses due to the accident, you’re probably anxious to get that settlement check in your hand.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when exactly you’ll get that check, some general guidelines can help you understand what to expect. And a Memphis personal injury lawyer can walk you through the process.

Understanding the Personal Injury Settlement Process

Before we dive into when you can expect to receive your settlement, it’s important to understand how it works.

Typically, the process goes like this:

• You file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company
• The insurance company investigates your claim
• The insurance company makes an initial offer
• You negotiate with the insurance company
• You accept the insurance company’s offer or take your case to court

These personal injury phases can take weeks or months to complete, depending on the complexity of your case and how willing the insurance company is to negotiate.

Factors That Affect Settlement Timing

Several factors can impact how long it takes to receive your settlement. Here are a few to remember.

The Severity of Your Injuries

If you incurred serious injuries, it might take longer to reach a settlement. This is because you’ll need to undergo treatment and may need to wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling. MMI is when you’ve fully recovered from your injuries or have stabilized to the point where further treatment won’t significantly improve your condition.

You don’t want to agree to a settlement before knowing the extent of your injuries and how they’ll affect your life.

The Complexity of Your Case

If your case is complex, it may take longer to settle.

Examples of complexities that pop up in personal injury cases include:

• Liability is unclear
• Multiple parties are involved
• There are disputes over the extent of your injuries
• There are disputes over the amount of damages you’re entitled to

The Willingness of the Insurance Company to Negotiate

If the insurance company is unwilling to negotiate, it can prolong the settlement process. Insurance companies are businesses whose primary goal is to pay out as little as possible to benefit their bottom line. If they think they can get away with a lowball offer or deny your claim altogether, they may be less inclined to negotiate in good faith.

Average Settlement Times of Personal Injury Cases

While every case is different, there are some general timelines to remember regarding personal injury settlements.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Minor injuries don’t take as long to settle. If you’ve suffered minor injuries, such as bruises, sprains, or strains, you may be able to settle your case within a few weeks to a few months. This assumes that liability is clear and the insurance company is willing to negotiate.
• Moderate injuries mean a moderate timeframe. If your injuries are more serious but not life-altering, such as broken bones or moderate whiplash, settling your case may take several months to a year. This assumes that liability is clear and the insurance company is willing to negotiate.
• Serious injuries take the longest amount of time to settle. If you’ve suffered a severe or catastrophic injury, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations, it may take a year or more to settle your case. You’ll need extensive treatment, and your future medical needs must be considered. Additionally, the insurance company may be less willing to negotiate, given the high stakes involved.

What You Can Do to Speed Up the Personal Injury Settlement Process

While there’s no way to guarantee a quick settlement, there are some things you can do to help move the process along:

• Provide prompt and accurate information. Ensure you provide your insurance company with prompt and accurate information about your injuries and the accident. This will help them process your claim faster and without roadblocks.
• Follow your doctor’s orders. It’s crucial to your claim that you follow your doctor’s orders and attend all your appointments. This will help demonstrate that you’re taking your recovery seriously and it will give an accurate picture of the severity of your injuries.
• Hire an experienced personal injury attorney. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you navigate the settlement process and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. We can also help you understand a fair settlement and find ways to maximize your personal injury case.
• Be patient. While it’s natural to want to resolve your case as quickly as possible, it’s important to be patient and not rush the process. Rushing can lead to accepting a lower settlement offer than you’re entitled to. Instead, focus on your recovery and trust that your attorney will work to get you a fair settlement.

Enlist the Help of an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today

Regarding personal injury settlements, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when you’ll receive your settlement. It depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of your case, and the willingness of the insurance company to negotiate.

However, by understanding the settlement process and working with an experienced personal injury attorney, you can help ensure that you receive a fair settlement in a timely manner.

For help navigating Tennessee’s personal injury claims process, contact us today at Pickford Law. We’ll ensure your case flows smoothly and you get the personal injury settlement you deserve.