How Long Does It Take to Get Compensated From a Baltimore Car Accident?
Each car crash case is unique. The time it takes to receive compensation from a car collision in Baltimore, Maryland can vary significantly, and there is no simple answer; there are simple cases, more complicated cases, injuries, circumstances, and the insurance companies. Our Baltimore car crash attorneys strive to settle each personal injury claim as quickly as possible. However, we do not sacrifice your best interests just to get a quick settlement. Our goal is to settle your claim as quickly as possible for the maximum amount possible. In some cases, negotiations with the insurance company or other parties may fail. If so, a personal injury lawsuit might be necessary to protect your best interests. From the beginning of your car wreck claim, we prepare your claim as if we are going to court.
After a serious accident, you should be surrounded by people who are focused on taking care of you. At the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt, our dedicated team does just that. We act as your advocates throughout the recovery process. If you need help getting medical treatment, we can step in and make sure you find the right specialist. If you have trouble getting your car repaired or getting a rental vehicle after a car crash, we can help. If an insurance adjuster contacts you, we take over to ensure your rights are protected. When you choose our law firm, you will have peace of mind knowing your case is in the right hands.
Because no two car accidents are alike, there is no reliable average car accident settlement time that can tell you how long it will take to receive a settlement in your case. Multiple factors play a part in the amount of time it takes to investigate the automobile accident, determine the facts of the case, and have all parties agree to a particular settlement amount. As a result, a claim could be resolved in as little as a few months or several years, depending on the complexity of the case and the parties’ willingness to settle.
Baltimore Car Accident Case Timelines May Consist of the Following Steps:
- Meeting with a Baltimore car accident attorney
- Investigation of the case
- Calculation of damages
- Written demand to the insurance company
- Negotiations
- Settlement
The more severe the car collision and the more extensive the resulting injuries and property damage, the longer a settlement will take. However, keep in mind that if you sustained severe injuries in a car accident, a hasty settlement is likely not in your best interest. Taking the time to do things right is the only way to arrive at a settlement that compensates you for the full range of your losses.
Types of Car Accident Claims and Lawsuits:
Settlements – Auto accidents rarely ever go to a full trial because they are costly and unreliable. Civil settlements are most common and allow both parties to come to an agreement as a final decision.
Demand Letters – Demand letters provide a way of requesting compensation while avoiding litigation and court appearances. We will write a “Demand Letter” that explains the claim in detail. The demand letter includes the theory of liability, the injuries that have been sustained, the medical bills, lost wages, and any future losses. This letter is then sent to the insurance company, with a monetary settlement request.
Car Accident Settlement Negotiations Explained
After the demand letter is sent to the insurance company, it is reviewed by the adjuster assigned to the claim. If the money in the demand is not paid, then either negotiations begin or a lawsuit is filed. Your lawyer will first push for an agreement without litigation, but insurance companies can be unreasonable and force the cases into litigation.
The Length of Your Recovery Is One of the Most Significant Factors That Impact How Long It Takes to Settle a Car Crash Claim in Baltimore
Car collisions are complex. There are usually many people involved and determining who was at fault for the accident can be difficult. There are also many possible injuries that the car wreck victims can sustain. All these details will play heavily into how quickly you can be compensated or your auto accident.
The length of your recovery is one of the most significant factors that impact how long it takes to settle a car crash claim in Baltimore. The type and severity of your injuries generally dictate the amount of medical treatment that is needed for your recovery.
Common Baltimore car wreck injuries include:
- Brain and Head injuries
- Broken Bones
- Back injuries
- Spinal Cord injuries
- Traumatic Brain injuries
- Skull Fractures
- Chest injuries
- Paralysis
- Scarring and Disfigurement
- Whiplash
- Airbag Burns and Lacerations
You do not want to settle a car crash claim before you complete your medical treatment. The reason is simple. You do not know the extent of your medical bills past and potentially future until you complete your medical treatment.
For instance, if your medical doctor tells you that you need additional physical therapy, or surgery after you settle your bodily injury claim, that additional cost and all related financial losses are your responsibility. You cannot go back to the insurance company to ask for more money.
Additionally, if you sustain a permanent impairment or disability because of the car collision, you may be entitled to significant damages for future loss of income, ongoing health care costs, and personal care. Your doctor cannot judge the extent of the disability until you reach maximum medical improvement. Therefore, settling your auto collision claim too soon could result in the loss of hundreds, thousands, or even millions of dollars in compensation.
What Should I Do After an Auto Accident?
The actions taken immediately after a car accident can prove pivotal in the outcome of a case. Here are some important tips to keep in mind, if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation:
- Move to safety and get medical assistance if needed. Nothing is more important than your health.
- Contact law enforcement.
- Obtain essential information, such as the other driver’s insurance details, and take your own photos of the damaged vehicles, damaged property, and photos of the scene.
- Gather contact information for witnesses. (Police often leave witnesses off their reports or do not get the correct contact information)
- Do NOT make a handshake agreement with the driver of the other car.
- Do NOT admit any fault. (Now is not the time to determine who was at fault. Admitting any fault can be used against you later. Your understanding of the accident might even be wrong.)
- Do NOT leave the scene of the incident. Even if you were not at fault for the accident, leaving the scene could qualify as a “hit-and-run,” which is a crime in Baltimore and could damage your claim for compensation.
- Never refuse to mention injuries to the police or paramedics. Any evidence of medical injuries can be vital in your compensation claim.
Should You Hire a Lawyer for Your Car Accident Case?
Car accidents are complex legal matters because of the resources that insurance companies bring to minimize or deny your claim. Insurance companies have teams of investigators, adjusters, and lawyers and are extremely difficult to deal with if you do not have legal help. Here is why the assistance of a Baltimore accident Lawyer is crucial for a successful outcome:
Personal injury attorneys allow you to focus on recovering, working, and being with your family. You will avoid stressful phone calls from the insurers as they will be dealt with by your car accident attorney.
We know that injuries cause problems that last far longer than insurance companies say they do. Missed wages, psychological distress, future medical costs, and more are all often overlooked. We are aware of this and will factor it into your claim.
- We ensure all evidence is preserved correctly. Evidence can get lost quickly; we will work to make sure it is safe.
- We know which evidence can sway your case. Under Maryland law, recovering compensation is only possible if another person’s negligence caused the accident.
- Insurance companies will exploit your lack of knowledge, often manipulating you into making a mistake. They want to pay you as little as possible. Our experience will avoid these pitfalls so we can get you the money you deserve.
- A lawyer can get to work immediately. Acting fast will give you the upper hand even if the at-fault driver turns out to change his/her story.
- The longer you wait without a lawyer, the more time the insurers gain to devalue your claim.
- Evidence proves that vastly greater compensation is paid out when using a lawyer compared to taking on the case alone.
- We will be your advocates from start to finish and handle all legal work and procedures for the optimal outcome.
Many Factors to Consider When Settling a Car Crash Claim
After a car accident, you might be worried about how you will pay your medical bills, and financially support your family. This is an important factor to consider when you decide whether you accept a quick insurance settlement or wait longer with the prospect of a larger payout.
The best thing you can do is consult an experienced personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt who can evaluate your case and provide valuable insight on the best way to proceed with your auto accident case. Obtaining justice and fair compensation for your losses is significantly important. The Law Offices of Larry B. Litt, can help you seek the compensation you deserve, no matter how complex your case may be.
Remember that we never charge a fee, unless we win. Call us today at 443-844-1528 so that you can discuss your case with a knowledgeable Baltimore car accident attorney. We will answer all your questions, and help you navigate the complexities of insurance claims, and recover the compensation that you deserve. We are available 24/7/365, call us now.