How Long Does It Take To Settle a Car Accident Claim in South Carolina?
Car accidents are something that no one wants to endure, there are more than five million car accidents in America each year.
Once everyone injured in an accident has been treated, the process afterwards can take a few months–or even up to a year. This is due to a variety of factors, such as lengthy hospital stays, disagreements over who is at fault, and negotiations with insurance companies and attorneys.
This article will look at all the factors that go into settling a car accident claim in the state of South Carolina, as well as why it is in your best interest to have a South Carolina car accident lawyer at your side every step of the way.
Navigating a Prolonged Legal Process
During a prolonged car accident claim process, both parties involved may experience heightened stress and uncertainty. It becomes imperative for a seasoned attorney to manage these challenges, ensuring that the client’s rights are protected and the case moves forward diligently. The attorney’s role becomes particularly crucial in negotiating with insurance companies, addressing rescheduled court dates, and strategically handling any new evidence that surfaces.
While such circumstances may test one’s patience, having a skilled legal professional by your side can significantly alleviate the complexities associated with a prolonged legal process, working towards a fair and just resolution.
The Easy Route
Cases can be simple when the following are true:
- One driver is at fault and they admit it
- One driver has adequate insurance coverage with a reputable company
- There are no major injuries requiring lengthy hospital stays, and the insurance company agreed to pay out fairly and favorably
This is the easiest scenario, and in cases such as this, you can expect to get paid in a matter of weeks and get your life back to normal.
The Not-So-Easy Route
Accidents can be much more complicated when:
- Someone is in the hospital for an extended period of time
- The drivers disagree about who is at fault
- There are no witnesses to the accident
A qualified attorney can begin gathering evidence from places that even the police may have missed. Was there a CCTV system or dash camera that went unnoticed? Were there tire marks proving one of the driver’s accounts? These are the things a lawyer will look for when investigating your accident.
Additionally, your attorney may have to negotiate with the insurance companies regarding payment of medical bills. If you or the other driver are in the hospital for an extended period of time, it may take longer to gather all the necessary documentation.
While it may take a couple of months, in cases like this, an attorney is invaluable in making sure that either you get what you are owed or, in the case that you are at fault, that your personal liability is minimized.
The Hard Route
Car accidents present an even more challenging situation when:
- The other driver was driving with a suspended license
(Wondering if driving with a suspended license is a misdemeanor? Check out our latest article.)
- You are in the hospital for an extended period of time and the insurance company is refusing to pay
In extreme situations like this, a case can be dragged out for months–or even years. Negotiations over damages owed or rescheduled court dates due to missing documentation or new evidence coming to light are just some of the things that can keep a case in limbo.
