One of the most pressing concerns for accident victims is how long it will take to receive settlement money from a car accident case. Medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses can quickly become overwhelming, especially if your injuries require extensive medical treatment or if you are unable to work for an extended period.
While every car accident case is unique, understanding the typical timeline for settling a car accident claim and the factors that can influence the process can give you a clearer picture of what lies ahead. In this blog, we’ll break down the timeline for receiving settlement money after a car accident in Georgia and how a skilled personal injury lawyer can help you throughout the claims process.
At Horst Shewmaker, our experienced Alpharetta car accident lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal complexities of personal injury claims and secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Long Does It Take to Settle a Car Accident Claim?
The time it takes to settle a car accident claim varies. Many car accident claims are settled within a few months. More complex cases, such as those involving serious injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties, can take a year or longer.
Once your car accident claim settles, receiving the settlement check generally takes 4 to 6 weeks after you and the insurance company have signed the settlement agreement. Several steps must be completed before this point, including negotiations with the insurance company, medical treatment, and gathering necessary documentation, such as medical records and police reports.
Factors in the Car Accident Settlement Timeline
Several factors can influence how long it takes to settle a car accident claim in Georgia.
Extent of Your Injuries and Medical Treatment Required
The severity of your injuries plays a major role in determining how long it will take to settle your car accident case. In most cases, your car accident lawyer will advise waiting until you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling the claim. MMI is when your injuries have stabilized and you’re not expected to recover further with continued treatment.
Reaching MMI is critical because it ensures the settlement accounts for all your medical bills, future medical care, and long-term rehabilitation needs. Settling before you complete medical treatment could result in receiving less compensation than you need to cover future expenses. This factor alone can add several months to the settlement process if your injuries require prolonged treatment.
Issues with Proving Liability
Disputes over who is at fault for the accident can also delay the settlement process. Under Georgia law, the at-fault party (or their insurance company) is responsible for covering the damages resulting from the accident.
In some cases, proving liability is straightforward, but in others, it may involve complex legal proceedings, especially if both drivers share some degree of fault or if there are questions about the accuracy of police reports or witness statements.
If there is any doubt about who caused the accident, insurance companies may drag out the claims process, requiring additional investigations, legal documents, or even a car accident lawsuit to determine liability. Your attorney’s ability to gather evidence—such as accident scene photos, police reports, and expert testimony—can help expedite this part of the process.
Willingness of the Other Driver’s Insurance Company to Settle
Some insurance companies are more cooperative and willing to negotiate fair settlements than others. If the other driver’s insurance company is uncooperative, they may initially offer a low settlement or deny your claim altogether. This can lead to drawn-out negotiations or the need to file a legal claim to recover compensation.
Most insurance companies aim to settle claims as quickly as possible, but they also want to minimize their payouts. An experienced car accident lawyer can help navigate the negotiation process and advocate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
The Role of a Car Accident Lawyer in the Settlement Process
A personal injury attorney helps car accident victims secure compensation as quickly as possible while ensuring they receive fair compensation for their injuries and financial losses. At Horst Shewmaker, our legal team handles every aspect of the claims process, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to filing a personal injury lawsuit if necessary.
An experienced personal injury attorney can also help you avoid common mistakes that could delay your settlement, such as failing to gather sufficient medical documentation or rushing to accept a low settlement offer.
Your attorney will work with your medical providers to collect the necessary medical records, help calculate the full value of your claim—including future medical expenses and lost wages—and ensure that all legal documents are filed correctly and on time.
Settlement Deadlines for Insurance Companies in Georgia
Georgia law sets specific deadlines that insurance companies must follow when handling personal injury claims. Understanding these deadlines can give you a better idea of how long the claims process will take and what to expect after filing a car accident claim.
- 15 days to acknowledge the claim: After you file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company, they have 15 days to acknowledge that they received your claim.
- 15 days to send a Proof of Loss form: The insurance company has 15 days after the claim is filed to send you a Proof of Loss form, which is required to officially process the claim.
- 15 days to accept or deny the claim: After receiving the completed Proof of Loss form, the insurance company has 15 days to decide whether to accept or deny your claim.
- 60 days to make a final decision: From the time you file the claim, the insurance company must make a final decision within 60 days about whether to accept or deny the claim.
- 10 days to pay once the claim is accepted: Once the insurance company has accepted the claim, they have 10 days to send you the settlement money.
These deadlines are intended to keep the claims process moving, but there are often delays if the insurance company requests additional information or disputes your claim. Working with a car accident attorney ensures that you receive your settlement money as soon as possible.
How Soon Can I Get Settlement Money From a Car Accident?
Once the settlement agreement has been reached, and both parties have signed the necessary documents, it typically takes about 4 to 6 weeks to receive your settlement check. The insurance company will issue the check after you sign a release form, which waives your right to pursue additional compensation for the same injuries in the future.
During this 4- to 6-week period, your auto accident lawyer will work to finalize the settlement paperwork and ensure that all legal procedures are followed. The check will then be sent to your lawyer, who will deduct any legal fees and medical liens before sending you the remaining balance.
Georgia law (GA Code Section 9-11-67.1) allows several methods for payment of a car accident settlement, including cash, wire transfer, money order, cashier’s check, and electronic funds transfer.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
The question of “How long does it take to get settlement money from a car accident?” doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer.
While some car accident claims may settle within a few weeks, others can take several months or even years, depending on the complexity of the case and the factors outlined above. The process of receiving your settlement check typically takes around 4 to 6 weeks after signing the release form, but the entire process leading up to that point can vary significantly.
An experienced attorney at Horst Shewmaker will work to streamline the process and maximize your car accident settlement. If you’ve been injured in an auto accident in Georgia, contact us today for a free consultation.
