How Long Will My Car Accident Case Take to Settle in Fort Worth?

Depending on the circumstances, the answer to the question of how long your car accident case will take to settle in Fort Worth can range from just a few short weeks to well over a year or more. Much like the overall financial value of an auto accident claim, the amount of time it takes to conclude settlement negotiations differs for every crash victim, and there is no “average” amount of time it takes.

What can help streamline your settlement negotiations, though, is working closely with a seasoned car wreck attorney who knows how to handle both opposing defense counsel and insurance adjusters. In the meantime, here are some answers to some other frequently asked questions about how long it will take to get a fair settlement offer following a serious collision.

What Factors Can Affect the Length of the Car Accident Settlement Process?

Unlike verdicts passed down by civil courts, settlements can only be reached if every party involved in negotiations voluntarily agrees. Because of that, the most influential factor in how long it takes the settlement process to conclude after a car wreck in Fort Worth is simply how willing each involved party is to negotiate in good faith and reach a fair agreement in a timely manner.

In addition, accidents where there is a great deal of evidence showing that one specific person is to blame for a wreck tend to be resolved more quickly through settlement negotiations compared to wrecks where there is not a lot of evidence available or where multiple people played a role in causing the accident. Likewise, negotiating a settlement following a crash resulting in a permanent and debilitating injury can be much more complicated than settling a claim dealing only with short-term losses.

How Does the “Statute of Limitations” Affect Car Wreck Settlements?

Under Texas state law, the longest most people can wait to file suit after getting hurt through someone else’s negligence is two years after the date of their initial injury. Anyone who fails to file suit by the deadline will have virtually no chance of negotiating a settlement. That said, it is still possible to settle a Fort Worth auto collision claim at any point during the formal litigation process until the moment a court hands down a final verdict. So, that two-year statute of limitations is not necessarily an unavoidable deadline for settlement negotiations.

What Should I Expect from Insurance Companies During Settlement Negotiations?

Unfortunately, one thing you should not expect from insurance providers involved in car accident settlement talks is good-faith negotiation tactics that put your best interests first. Insurance companies are for-profit businesses, and they will usually do anything and everything they can to minimize their own financial liability for a wreck at the expense of people injured in that accident.

This is one major reason why having help from a skilled lawyer can be vital to reducing the time it takes to settle a car accident case in Fort Worth. Call today to learn more about how capable legal counsel could tenaciously protect your rights, ensure insurance companies treat you fairly, and give you the best chances of obtaining the compensation you need.