After suffering catastrophic injuries in a car accident, you need access to the financial compensation you are entitled to as soon as possible. However, there are multiple factors that could have an impact on how long it could take to settle your claim. Settling sooner does not necessarily mean you will get the most out of your claim.
Your Boston car accident lawyer at DiBella Law understands the intricate tort laws that could be most influential. We will manage expectations and offer sound legal advice so you can make well-informed choices as we navigate your car accident claim. Here is more about how long it could be before your case is resolved so you can finally begin to put this traumatic experience behind you.
Get Your Claim Filed Before the Statute of Limitations Passes
First and foremost, if you do not want your car accident claim to be delayed, you must take action as soon as possible. Massachusetts has a strict three-year statute of limitations deadline in place for all personal injury claims, including motor vehicle accidents. Anyone who does not file their claim before this expiration date will be prohibited from moving forward with a lawsuit.
Your personal injury attorney will also need to consider whether you are filing a claim with the insurance company as a way of recovering compensation for your damages. If so, you must also ensure your insurance claim is filed before the deadline. Unfortunately, insurance companies can set their own deadlines.
It is not unheard of for insurance companies to require claimants to file claims within 48 hours of the accident. Some injury victims have up to 30 days to file a claim. You can find out how much longer you have to get your claim filed when you discuss the specific circumstances of your case with your dedicated car accident lawyer.
Give us a call today to discover how we can assist you.
Factors that Impact the Car Accident Settlement Timeline
Multiple factors could influence how long it takes for your car accident case to be resolved. Far too many car accident victims go into the claims process with unrealistic expectations. However, with DiBella Law working on your case, you will have a clear understanding of all potential outcomes so you can prepare accordingly.
Availability of Evidence
Your car accident case can only be successful if we prove the defendant’s liability for the collision. To do this, we must introduce powerful supporting evidence, as the burden of proof in personal injury lawsuits is based on a preponderance of the evidence. Without this crucial evidence, it may take longer for your case to be resolved.
Many types of supporting evidence can be recovered throughout the course of our investigation. We will interview witnesses, gather forensic evidence, work with experts and accident reconstructionists, and do everything in our power to build the strongest case possible. If there is a delay in the processing of certain types of evidence, as is often the case with dash cam footage, chemical blood alcohol test results, and analysis of vehicle black box data, it could delay your car accident settlement.
Sharing Liability for the Collision
If you share responsibility for the accident, it could delay the outcome of your case. Your car accident attorney will need to turn their attention toward refuting the defendant’s allegations against you. Fortunately, our legal advocates with DiBella Law are always prepared and will be ready to introduce the evidence needed to ensure blame is accurately established in your case.
Multiple Parties Sharing Fault
In most car accident cases, injury victims assume the driver who hit them is at fault. However, this may not always be the case. Depending on the cause of your accident, multiple parties could share responsibility, including:
- Maintenance workers
- Safety inspectors
- Motor vehicle dealerships
- Negligent drivers
- Cargo loaders
- Auto parts designers
- Motor vehicle parts manufacturers and distributors
- Government agencies and executives
If multiple parties share responsibility for the accident, your case will certainly be more complex. However, it also means you have an increased chance of maximizing your financial compensation. When several parties can share the financial liability of your burdens, you have greater odds of recovering your losses in full.
Auto Insurance Coverage Limits
Auto insurance coverage could have a significant impact on how long it takes to settle your case. Massachusetts follows no-fault insurance laws. All motorists are required to carry property damage liability coverage, bodily injury liability coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP) coverage.
When you are involved in a collision, you file a claim against your personal auto insurance policy. This is because personal injury protection is designed to cover your losses without taking fault into consideration. You may be limited by the types and amounts of coverage you carry.
For example, if you only have the minimum amount of auto insurance coverage required by law, but your damages exceed these limits, the insurance company will not be expected to cover your losses in full. Fortunately, there may be another opportunity to recover the compensation that is rightfully yours. You may be able to file a claim against a general liability insurance policy or file a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault party, for example.
Call Massachusetts’ Top-Rated Car Accident Law Firm for Help Today
There is no average amount of time it takes to settle a car accident claim because every person’s case is different, and there are too many influencing factors. However, many car accident victims can access the financial compensation they deserve within several months or years, depending on the complexity of the case. The best way to find out how long it might be before you can settle your car accident claim is to discuss the individual circumstances of your collision with your dedicated Massachusetts car accident attorney.
Our firm is proudly providing 100% free consultation to car accident survivors across Boston, Burlington, Worcester, and throughout Central MA. Take advantage of this chance to rebuild your life. Fill out our quick contact form or call us to schedule yours as soon as today.
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