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A car accident can turn your life upside down. Medical bills, lost income, vehicle repairs, and emotional trauma can create overwhelming burdens. For many car accident victims, securing a settlement is essential to regaining financial stability. However, one of the most common concerns we hear from our clients is, “How long will my car accident settlement take?”
The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, the complexity of your case, and whether the insurance company cooperates in negotiations. While no two cases are exactly alike, most Oregon car accident settlements follow a general timeline. Below, we outline the typical stages of the settlement process. This will help you know what to expect along the way.
The car accident settlement process starts the moment a crash occurs. What you do at the scene can significantly impact your claim. If you are physically able, take the following steps:
If your injuries prevent you from collecting evidence at the scene, don’t worry. Our legal team can help gather much of this information later. Your priority should always be your health and safety.
Even if you feel fine after the accident, you should always seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not be readily apparent. Additionally, delaying medical treatment could weaken your claim by giving the insurance company a reason to argue that the crash didn’t cause your injuries.
Some of the key steps to take include:
If you fail to seek proper medical treatment, the insurance company may try to reduce or deny your claim. They may argue that your injuries are not as serious as you claim. Don’t let this happen to you. Seek immediate medical attention.
While it is possible to handle a car accident claim on your own, having an experienced attorney can make a difference. Having a lawyer on your side can increase the amount of compensation you receive. Insurance companies often try to pressure accident victims into accepting lowball settlements before they fully understand the value of their case.
Your lawyer will:
Hiring an attorney early in the process ensures your rights are protected from day one. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they win your case.
To build a strong claim, your attorney will conduct an investigation into your case. Your lawyer can gather critical evidence to prove liability and document your losses. This process can take several weeks to months, depending on the complexity of your case.
Some of the common types of evidence that they will gather include:
If necessary, they may also work with accident reconstruction specialists to demonstrate how the crash occurred and who is responsible.
Before settling a claim, it is crucial to determine whether you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). This means that your injuries have healed as much as possible with medical treatment. At this point, your doctors have a clearer picture of any long-term impairments or disabilities.
Settling too early could result in receiving far less compensation than you truly need. Waiting until you reach MMI allows your attorney to accurately calculate your future expenses. This will ensure you get the full compensation you are entitled to receive.
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer may need to file a personal injury lawsuit. In Oregon, the statute of limitations for car accident claims is generally two years from the date of the crash. If a lawsuit is necessary, the legal process will include:
Most cases settle before trial, but we are fully prepared to take your case to court if that is what it takes to get you justice.
Once a settlement is reached or a court awards compensation, you will receive your funds. If you settle, the insurance company will issue a check to your attorney, who will then:
If your case goes to trial and you win, the court will order the defendant to pay damages. However, collecting payment from an at-fault party may involve additional legal steps. For instance, you may need to garnish wages or seize assets.
If you have been injured in a car accident in Oregon, you shouldn’t navigate the legal system alone. At Tillmann Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we are committed to fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Contact our Portland car accident lawyers today at (503) 773-3333 for a free case review. Let us handle the legal challenges so you can focus on your health and recovery.
