One of the most common questions we hear from car accident victims is how long they will have to wait for their settlement. After all, you have real expenses to pay and a life to rebuild—waiting in uncertainty only adds to the stress of your recovery.
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your case, this process can settle within a few months or take a year or longer to resolve. Working with a car accident lawyer in Knoxville can make a significant difference in streamlining the process and avoiding unnecessary delays.
An experienced attorney will advocate for your best interests, negotiate with insurance companies, and ensure you recover the compensation you deserve as efficiently as possible.
The Typical Car Accident Settlement Process
Car accident claims in Tennessee follow a structured path. While your case may vary, you will likely go through the following steps:
- Initial Medical Treatment and Documentation: You must seek immediate medical care and maintain detailed records of all treatments, prescriptions, and therapy sessions. This documentation forms the foundation of your claim. Reaching maximum medical improvement could take several months.
- Insurance Claim Filing and Investigation: The insurance company launches an investigation, reviewing police reports, witness statements, and medical records. This phase typically takes several weeks as adjusters gather and analyze evidence.
- Settlement Negotiations: Once medical treatment progresses and damages are assessed, your attorney will begin negotiating with the insurer. This process can span several months as both sides work to reach a fair agreement.
- Legal Filing and Discovery: If negotiations stall, your lawyer may file a lawsuit. The discovery phase involves gathering evidence, taking depositions, and exchanging information between parties—a process that can take six months or longer.
- Negotiation and Mediation: Your case may be resolved through negotiations while waiting for trial. You may also participate in mediation, where both parties meet with a neutral third party to reach an agreement before trial.
- Trial and Verdict: If a settlement cannot be reached, your case will go to trial and a judge or jury will decide its outcome. A trial can take as little as a few days to as long as several months.
Why Some Cases Take Longer Than Others
Multiple factors can impact how long your case takes to settle. For example, the extent of your injuries can extend your case. You should never settle until you reach maximum medical improvement or complete recovery. This helps account for all your current and future medical expenses. Settling too early could leave you without compensation for unexpected complications or future surgeries.
Cases with disputed liability can take longer as both sides gather evidence and negotiate with one another. Missing documentation, unavailable witnesses, or errors in police reports can also create significant delays. It is important to work with an attorney who can help you overcome these common obstacles and fight for a fair resolution.
Trust The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto to Guide You Through the Process
While you focus on recovery, trust The Lawyers of Brown & Roberto to handle your car accident claim. We understand you need answers and fair compensation as quickly as possible, and we will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
Our firm knows how to navigate insurance negotiations and legal proceedings efficiently while fighting for maximum compensation. Contact us at (865) 691-2777 for a free case evaluation and take your first steps toward justice.