Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fremont help people that have been injured in car accidents. When you’re injured in a car accident, it brings up a lot of questions about what you need to do. But every claim moves differently, and depends on the circumstances. Our team will be there to support you through it all. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Long Do I Have to Wait to Settle My Car Accident Claim?
When you file a car accident claim in Fremont, it’s all about covering your losses. However, the time it takes to reach a settlement varies. Some cases resolve quickly, while others can take months or even years. Your timeline largely depends on a number of different factors, like:
- Your injuries – The more serious your injuries, the longer your case may take. If you need ongoing treatment, it’s best to wait until you fully recover or reach a stable condition before settling. This way, all medical costs–now and in the future–are covered. Settling too early could leave you with unpaid bills.
- The evidence you have – Strong evidence helps speed things up. If you have clear proof–like police reports, medical records, and witness statements–insurance companies are more likely to settle quickly. If evidence is missing or disputed, the process can take longer, and you may even need to go to court.
- Liability issues – If it’s obvious who caused the accident, your case will likely move faster. But if there’s a dispute over fault–especially in complex accidents or those involving multiple drivers–it can take longer to sort out. In some cases, experts may need to step in to prove who’s responsible.
- Filing an insurance claim or a lawsuit – An insurance claim is usually the fastest way to get paid. But if the insurance company lowballs you, denies your claim, or drags out the process, you may need to file a lawsuit. Lawsuits take longer because of legal steps like evidence gathering and court hearings. Some settle early, but others can take months or even years if they go to trial.
Each of these factors can affect how long it takes to resolve your claim. Importantly, though, you have to file your claim within two years of the date of the accident to even have a chance at recovering what’s available to you.
What Damages Can You Get in a Car Accident Settlement?
The entire reason you even need to file a claim after a car accident in Fremont is to recover “damages.” Your damages are specific to your case, but generally includes things like:
- Medical expenses – This covers your medical bills, from emergency treatment to ongoing care like therapy and rehab. Even your minor injuries can add up, so it’s important to save records and bills.
- Lost income – If your injuries keep you from working, you can recover the income you’ve lost. If you can’t return to work long-term, you may also be able to recover costs for reduced earning ability.
- Repair/replacement costs – This covers repair costs or the value of your car if it’s totaled, plus rental expenses while you wait. It can also include costs for damage to any personal items, like your phone or clothing.
- Pain and suffering – This covers costs for your physical discomfort, chronic pain, and long-term suffering.
- Emotional distress – Along the same lines, this covers costs associated with emotional effects like anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
- Loss of quality of life – If your injuries stop you from enjoying hobbies, sports, or family activities, you can recover costs for the impact on your daily life.
- Punitive damages – If the other driver was reckless–such as driving drunk or speeding dangerously–the court may award extra damages to punish them and prevent future negligence.
- Wrongful death expenses – In the event that the accident is fatal, your family can file a “wrongful death” claim to recover funeral costs, medical bills, lost financial support, and emotional suffering. These cases can be complicated, so getting our help is vital.
The aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can strengthen your claim. Call 911, exchange information, and report the accident to the police. Seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, and notify your insurance company. Keep records of all related expenses and communications. These actions not only protect your health but also improve your chances of getting the financial support you need to recover.
Contact Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fremont After a Car Accident
When you’re in a car accident, you don’t have to get a lawyer. But, having an experienced team can make a huge difference in your recovery. Our legal team at Maison Law Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fremont has extensive experience handling these claims and works to get the best outcome for you by:
- Investigating the accident to determine the cause
- Collecting and organizing crucial evidence
- Consulting with witnesses and experts
- Building a strong claim, whether for an insurance settlement or a court case
Every accident is different, so we tailor our strategy to fit your specific needs. Our goal is to make things easier for you so you can focus on your health and family. Patience is key, since every claim proceeds differently. But again, you can rest assured that we’ll be there to guide you. If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Fremont and want to know more about your options, contact us today for a free consultation.