If you have been in a car accident in St. Louis, Missouri, one of the first questions you will probably have is, “How long will my case take to settle?” A St. Louis car accident lawyer at Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers can explain the timeline for you.
Some claims wrap up in a matter of months, others can stretch on for years. Understanding the factors that influence your case timeline can help you set realistic expectations. Contact us today for a free consultation at (636) 519-0085.
Why Choose Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers for Help After a Car Accident in St. Louis, MO
At Roach Law Car Accident Lawyers, our experienced personal injury team understands the challenges victims face after a car accident. For over two decades, our St. Louis personal injury lawyers have used their more than 30 years of combined experience to recover hundreds of millions of dollars for clients injured due to the negligence of others.
Our St. Louis car accident lawyers can handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the cause of the crash to gathering accident reports, surveillance footage, and other evidence. We interview witnesses, retain experts, and carefully evaluate your economic and non-economic damages.
If necessary, we file insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits, negotiating aggressively with insurers to secure the maximum compensation in a settlement. Contact us today if you or a loved one has been injured.
Step 1. Reporting and Claim Setup
The settlement process starts right after your accident. Missouri law requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or more than $500 in property damage to law enforcement. Once you notify your insurance company, they must acknowledge your claim within 10 days and begin their investigation.
In this stage, you or your attorney will:
- File an official accident report with law enforcement.
- Notify your insurance company and the at-fault driver’s insurer.
- Preserve evidence such as photos, witness statements, and medical records.
These first steps set the tone for your case. This stage can move quickly, but delays can occur if key documents or accident details are missing.
Step 2. Finishing Medical Treatment
One of the most significant factors affecting settlement timing is your medical recovery. In most cases, it is best to wait until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) before finalizing a settlement. This is the point at which you have recovered as much as possible, and your current and future treatment costs can be better understood.
During this phase, your attorney may:
- Monitor your progress and collect updated medical records.
- Work with your doctors to understand your long-term prognosis.
- Calculate both current and projected medical expenses.
This stage can take weeks for minor injuries or months, or even years for severe ones. Rushing to settle before reaching MMI can leave you undercompensated for future medical needs.
Step 3. Negotiating with An Insurance Company
Your lawyer will prepare a settlement demand once your treatment is complete or your prognosis is clear. The insurance company will review the evidence, your damages, and liability before making an offer.
Negotiations may include:
- Presenting a detailed demand package outlining your damages.
- Countering lowball offers from the insurance adjuster.
- Leveraging evidence to prove liability and the extent of your losses.
Clear liability cases may settle in a few months. However, if liability is disputed or damages are high, negotiations can stretch out significantly over multiple rounds and months or years of investigation.
Step 4. Filing a Personal Injury Lawsuit
A lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer. In Missouri, you generally have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, but the litigation process itself can add significant time to your case.
Once a lawsuit is filed, you may go through:
- Discovery to exchange documents and evidence with the other party.
- Depositions to collect sworn testimony from parties and witnesses.
- Mediation or trial preparation to explore opportunities to settle before court.
About 95 percent of personal injury cases settle before trial, but litigation can still add months or years to your timeline.
Step 5. Receiving Your Settlement Check
Once both sides agree on a settlement, payment is not instant. The insurance company typically takes 2 to 6 weeks to process the paperwork and issue your check. This step may take longer if court approval or lien resolution is required.
At this stage, your attorney will:
- Check that all releases are signed.
- Resolve any outstanding medical liens or bills.
- Distribute your settlement funds promptly.
This is the final step in your case, but it is important, especially if multiple parties are involved in the disbursement.
Tips for Keeping Your Case on Track
You cannot control every factor, but there are steps you can take to help avoid unnecessary delays.
Be sure to:
- Seek immediate medical attention and follow your treatment plan.
- Provide requested documents promptly to your lawyer.
- Avoid speaking directly with insurance adjusters without legal advice.
- Be patient but persistent. Settling too soon can cost you fair compensation.
Meeting with an experienced St. Louis personal injury lawyer can make a significant difference in how quickly and successfully your case resolves.
Contact Our St. Louis Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
The length of time it takes to settle a car accident case in St. Louis depends on many variables. Some cases resolve in months, while others can take a year or more. The key is to focus on building a strong claim and documenting all your damages.
If you have been injured in a car accident, speaking with an experienced St. Louis car accident lawyer early can help you navigate the process. Schedule a free consultation today.