We work with many clients who have been injured in various accidents. One of the first questions they often ask us is how long it will take for their personal injury settlement to come through. The short answer is that it is unpredictable and hard to estimate. In some cases it takes months, in others it may take two years.
The best way to get an idea of what timeline your particular case is likely to follow is to contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 and ask for a free legal consultation. In the meantime, you can read on to learn about the process that many cases follow.
The First Step of a Settlement: A First Offer from the Insurance Company
In a simple case in which the insurance company does not dispute fault, they may make a first offer right away. Generally they will put a short window of time during which you must accept or deny it. If you decide to accept it, then you will be signing an accident release form that prevents you from seeking further compensation. This can often be a big mistake if you still expect to have additional medical bills, missed time from work, etc.
This is why it is essential to have an experienced accident attorney on your side. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we will carefully consider your case to find the best way forward. This may involve taking the first offer but in most cases we will move on to the next step.
What Happens After Declining the First Offer
If you decline the first offer then you can expect that the case will take longer. However, you could be eligible for a much higher settlement. Depending on the specifics of your case it may include past and future medical costs, property damage, lost wages, loss of working capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. Your attorney will carefully assess the accident and your injuries to determine the best way for you to proceed.
Once we have assess your case, we will counter with a response to their first offer. After decades in this industry, we know when to accept an offer, when to negotiate, and when to take a case to court. We will keep you in the loop at every step of the process so that you will always know what is happening with your case.
We Will Work to Get You the Settlement You Deserve as Quickly as Possible
Many clients feel an urgency to settle because they need the money to pay medical costs and other costs associated with the accident. When you work with Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas, we can discuss options with the medical professionals to put off payment until your settlement comes through. The next step is to contact us at 909-982-0707 to request your free legal consultation.