If you’ve been in a car accident in Houston, you might wonder how long it will take to settle your case. With a skilled Houston car accident lawyer, it may take three to six months to settle after finishing medical treatment.
However, if you file a car accident lawsuit, the timeline could be longer—anywhere from 6 to 18 months. In some cases in Harris County, TX, it might take over two years to settle.
Several factors can make the settlement process take longer. We are here to help you understand what influences the time it takes to settle a car accident case in Houston. We’ll also share tips on how to speed up your case.
Factors Affecting Car Accident Lawsuit Settlements in Houston
Several things can affect how long it takes to settle a car accident case in Houston. These include how bad the injuries are, how complicated the case is, and how much the insurance companies are involved.
Hiring an auto accident attorney is a good idea to get the best result and fair compensation.
How Injuries Affect the Settlement Time for Car Accidents in Houston
The severity of injuries from a car accident greatly affects how long it takes to settle your case. More serious injuries usually mean longer medical treatment and more paperwork, which can delay the settlement.
It’s important to wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) before settling your case. Waiting ensures that the compensation reflects all your damages and injuries.
Settling before reaching MMI might result in insufficient money to cover future losses related to the accident.
Medical records are crucial in showing how bad your injuries are and justifying the compensation.
A personal injury attorney in Houston, Texas, can be very helpful in gathering and presenting this evidence, ensuring you get fair compensation for your injuries.
Case Complexity
The complexity of your car accident case can significantly affect how long it takes to settle. When many people are involved or there’s a disagreement about who is to blame, thorough investigations and long discussions are necessary, which can slow things down.
Hiring a car accident lawyer in Houston can make a big difference. They can help determine who is at fault and manage the complexities of your case effectively.
Several factors can complicate a car accident case. These include both drivers being at fault, existing health issues, delayed medical care, and a lack of evidence. A skilled car accident lawyer in Houston ensures that your case is handled correctly and promptly. This increases the likelihood of receiving a fair settlement.
Cases involving 18-wheelers often take longer to settle than standard car accident claims.
Liability Factors
If there is a dispute over who is at fault, this will affect the settlement discussions. One of the first things a car accident attorney does when evaluating a case is determine who is responsible.
Filing a lawsuit after a car accident may be needed to make sure the insurance company takes the claim seriously.
Call us now for a FREE CONSULTATION!
Insurance Company Involvement
Insurance companies can greatly influence how long it takes to settle a car accident case. Delays may happen as insurers collect medical records or wait for responses, which can make the settlement process longer.
Sometimes, insurance companies may intentionally delay responding to claims to discourage claimants or negotiate lower payouts.
Big insurance companies like State Farm, Geico, Liberty Mutual, and Allstate often have too many claims to handle quickly.
Stay patient and persistent when dealing with insurance companies. They try to pay out less, so it’s important to be persistent.
Getting help from experienced car accident attorneys can be very beneficial. They can effectively handle these interactions and help you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Steps to Settle a Car Accident Lawsuit in Houston
To settle a car accident case in Houston, follow these essential steps:
1. Get Medical Treatment and Documentation: Seek medical treatment immediately and keep detailed records of your injuries and treatment.
2. Hire an Auto Injury Attorney: Find an experienced attorney specializing in car accident cases.
3. Engage in Negotiations and Mediation: Work with your attorney to negotiate with the insurance company and possibly go through mediation to reach a fair settlement.
4. File a Car Accident Lawsuit if Necessary: If you can’t reach an agreement, your attorney will help you file a lawsuit.
Following these steps can increase your chances of getting the compensation you deserve. Speak with a local personal injury attorney to find out how much compensation you could receive from a car accident settlement. The lawyer can help you understand how much money you might get after a car crash. Talking to a personal injury lawyer near you can explain the money side of a car accident agreement.
Medical Treatment and Documentation
Medical treatment and documentation are crucial for proving the extent of injuries and determining a fair settlement amount. After a car accident, it’s essential to seek medical treatment immediately. Getting checked by a doctor quickly helps you heal faster and supports any claims for personal injury compensation.
You can accurately account for your medical expenses during the settlement process by documenting your medical care. Pain and suffering are difficult to value, but having detailed medical documentation helps support your claim.
Medical records and evidence play a significant role in resolving a car accident case. Keeping all medical bills, documents, and other related paperwork organized and readily available is essential. This info is important for deciding how much money you get for your car accident. Your lawyer needs it.
Our Commitment to Exceptional Service and Results
We only accept cases that we are confident we can handle effectively. Our top priority is providing excellent service to our clients. We only handle a small number of cases. This allows us to dedicate enough time and resources to each client. Our goal is to ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve. Don’t worry, we only take cases on a no-win, no-fee basis. You won’t have to pay us anything at the beginning.
Contingency Fees
Our fees are only charged if and when we successfully recover money through a settlement or trial. This fee is deducted from the final settlement amount. Our law firm covers essential expenses during the legal process. These expenses are later reimbursed from the client’s share of the settlement money.
Experience
With 30 years of experience in personal injury law, we are proud of our successful track record. Our founder is nationally recognized as one of the top personal injury lawyers in the United States. We have maintained an undefeated record in truck accident cases, wrongful death lawsuits, and daycare injury claims.
Results
Check out our results page to see recent examples of our wins and the cases we have successfully handled. To get money back after a car accident, you must prove that the other driver caused the crash. This is crucial for receiving compensation. The burden of proof lies on you to show that the other driver was at fault. Providing evidence such as witness statements or police reports can help strengthen your case.
It is essential to gather documentation and evidence promptly after the accident. It’s important to collect the names and contact information of witnesses and helpers at the scene. This includes getting witness testimonies and police reports.
Negotiations and Mediation
Negotiations and mediation can help parties settle without going to trial, potentially speeding up the process. Mediation and negotiation serve as alternative dispute resolution methods, allowing both parties to assess the merits of their case. And often come to a mutually agreeable settlement.
Negotiations and mediation can facilitate a settlement without needing a trial, potentially accelerating the process.
Mediation can lead to faster payment than going to court because it avoids long legal processes and expenses.
By engaging in negotiations and mediation, you can reach a fair settlement more quickly and save time and money.
Call us now for a FREE CONSULTATION!
Legal Timelines and Deadlines of Houston Auto Accident Lawsuits
Legal deadlines in Houston play a significant role in the car accident settlement process. These include the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit and insurance company deadlines for responding to claims.
Understanding these deadlines is crucial to ensure you take advantage of all opportunities to pursue compensation for your injuries.
Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations in Texas for filing a lawsuit is two years from the date of the accident. After a certain time, you may not be able to file a lawsuit for a car accident. It’s important to get legal help quickly.
Insurance Company Deadlines
Insurance companies have specific deadlines for investigating and responding to claims. These deadlines can impact the settlement timeline, potentially delaying the process or preventing a settlement from being reached.
In Houston, insurance companies typically act in their interests. Consult a personal injury lawyer or adjuster if you need help with the timing.
If you have trouble with the insurance company, get help from a lawyer to make things go faster.
When to Consider Filing a Car Accident Lawsuit
In some cases, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. If you disagree about who is responsible or if the settlement offer is not enough, you may need to sue to get fair compensation.
Filing a lawsuit can be complex and time-consuming, so it is important to consult with an attorney. Most car accident lawsuits settle before a trial.
Disputes Over Liability
Disputes over liability can slow down the claims process and make settling difficult. If necessary, collect compelling evidence to demonstrate fault. Consider taking legal action if a fair resolution cannot be reached through negotiations.
Typical disagreements concerning liability in car accident settlements in Houston may include:
– Issues regarding fault
– Comparative negligence
– Insurance coverage disputes
– Debates regarding the magnitude of damages
A Harris County car accident lawyer can help you get fair compensation for your injuries by handling your case efficiently. A car accident lawsuit may take a while to settle. It could be essential in advancing your case and receiving the compensation you are entitled to.
Inadequate Settlement Offers
Inadequate settlement offers or lowball offers can be another reason to consider filing a lawsuit. If your settlement offers do not cover your damages, you may need to file a lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve.
Factors that may lower a settlement offer include:
- Shared responsibility.
- Pre-existing conditions.
- Delayed medical attention.
- Insufficient evidence.
- Attempts by insurance adjusters to attribute blame to claimants.
By suing, you may get money for your injuries and damages, even if the first settlement offers are not enough.
Tips for Speeding Up the Settlement Process
To speed up the car accident settlement process.
Get Your Injuries Treated and Documented
First, seek prompt medical treatment and document your injuries thoroughly. This documentation will be crucial in proving the extent of your injuries and determining a fair settlement amount. Additionally, understanding the car accident settlement-taking process can help you navigate the situation more efficiently.
Hire a Car Accident Attorney Near Me
First, find a skilled car accident lawyer to help you with legal matters. This can include handling a car accident lawsuit and negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf.
Stay in Touch With Your Attorney or the Adjuster
Lastly, stay organized with your documentation and maintain open communication with your lawyer and insurance company throughout the process. By following these tips, you can potentially expedite the settlement process and receive the compensation you deserve more quickly.
Contact Baumgartner Law Firm For Houston Car Accident Settlement Help
Contact Baumgartner Law Firm for help with your car accident injury case. Call us now for a FREE Consultation.
Remember, knowledge is power, and being prepared can make all the difference in your car accident settlement journey.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
(281) 587-1111
Related Car Accident Settlement FAQS
How long does it take to get a settlement from a car accident in Texas?
In Texas, the time it takes to settle a car accident case varies. It can range from a few months to several years. The duration depends on the complexity of the case and when your medical treatment is completed.
The time it takes to settle a case depends on several factors. These factors include the severity of the accident, the number of people involved, and the amount of insurance available. Understanding the process is essential.
How much does a lawyer get from a car accident settlement in Texas?
Personal injury lawyers in Texas typically charge between 33% and 40% of the final settlement in car accident cases.
It’s important to speak with your lawyer upfront about this cost.
How long does it take to get a check after my case is settled?
Once the release is signed, the insurance company typically takes five days to issue the settlement check. Your lawyer will hold the money in a trust account until it clears and deducts any outstanding expenses and liens.
However, Baumgartner Law Firm recommends always setting a time limit to receive the funds from the adjuster.
When might filing an auto accident lawsuit be necessary, and how does it affect the settlement timeline?
If the insurance company’s offer is not good enough or there are problems with who is responsible, filing a lawsuit might be needed to determine the case’s worth. A lawsuit can significantly extend the settlement timeline.
Court cases in Harris County, TX can take a long time, usually 1-2 years or even more. This is because of factors such as court availability, case backlog, and case complexity. These factors contribute to the lengthy duration of court cases in the county. Therefore, filing a lawsuit can significantly prolong the overall settlement timeline.
How do additional factors like medical liens affect the settlement process?
Other factors, such as Medicare liens, ongoing medical treatment, or complex issues, can make the settlement process more complicated and slow. Negotiating medical liens and resolving subrogation claims can take time, especially if the liens are from Medicare or Medicaid.
Ongoing medical care may require a thorough assessment of future medical expenses, which can prolong the settlement negotiations. Overall, these additional factors can add several months to the settlement timeline. Here are some tips to deal with liens on your case.
How do injuries that take a long time to heal or have complications affect the settlement process?
Injuries that take longer to heal or complications that arise later can significantly impact the settlement process. Such injuries can lead to delays, as ongoing medical care and additional treatments may be required. These delays can extend the settlement timeline, potentially adding several months or more to the process.
How does the complexity of the accident affect the settlement timeline?
The complexity of the accident can impact the settlement timeline. Cases with obvious fault and minor injuries can be resolved quickly, usually within a few weeks after medical treatment is finished. However, more time may be required when the fault is difficult to prove or many parties are involved in the case.
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What if the other driver doesn’t have insurance?
If you have a car accident with an uninsured driver, you may not know how to get compensation for the damages. This can be a confusing and frustrating situation. In such cases, you may have to rely on your own insurance coverage to cover the costs. It is important to be prepared for such situations and understand your insurance policy.
One of the options to consider is checking your insurance policy. Insured motorist coverage can provide financial protection if you sustain injuries in an accident caused by an uninsured driver. This coverage typically helps cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages you may have incurred.
What happens when I am at fault for a car accident?
Several important consequences may occur when you are at fault for a car accident. Firstly, you will be responsible for the damages and injuries caused by the accident. This means you might have to cover the cost of repairing or replacing the vehicles involved and any medical expenses for the injured parties.
In addition to financial obligations, your insurance rates are likely to increase. Insurance companies often consider at-fault accidents to indicate risky behavior, so your premium may increase significantly. This increase can last several years, resulting in higher overall costs for your coverage.
Do all personal injury cases settle, and what happens if they don’t?
It is important to note that not all injury cases are settled. Most cases are settled through negotiations, but sometimes insurance companies deny claims or offer too little money. In such situations, when negotiations yield no results, the injured party can file a lawsuit and bring their case to court.
When a personal injury case goes to trial, obtaining compensation often takes considerably longer. This is due to the extensive preparation required for trial proceedings. Furthermore, opting for a trial can be more financially burdensome than negotiating a settlement privately. If the evidence strongly supports the injured party’s claim, going to trial can lead to a better outcome.
What are some tactics that insurance companies might use to avoid paying compensation?
Insurance companies may employ various tactics to avoid paying compensation to claimants. Here are a few common strategies that insurance adjusters might utilize:
1. Offering Early Settlements: Adjusters may rush claimants into accepting an early settlement. Be careful with offers that may limit future compensation opportunities. Approach them cautiously to avoid potential restrictions on future claims.
2. Requesting Recorded Statements: Insurance companies might ask claimants to provide recorded statements regarding the accident or incident. It’s best to talk to a lawyer before answering questions or making statements, as the information could be used against you.
3. Utilizing Fear and Scare Tactics: Adjusters sometimes use emotional manipulation to pressure claimants to accept a settlement offer. They might claim that the amount offered is the final and best offer. This leaves little time to seek legal advice or carefully review the offer.
4. Denying Claims: In some instances, insurance adjusters might unjustifiably deny a claim without proper reasoning or justification. They may count on claimants not noticing or challenging such denials, hoping to avoid paying compensation.
5. Blaming You: Insurers may try to say the injuries or damages were your fault. They might say it was all or partly your fault. By doing so, they aim to reduce or eliminate the compensation deserved by the claimant.
What types of car accident cases does the law firm handle?
Our law firm in Houston handles a wide range of car accident cases. We have experience handling different types of accidents. These include highway crashes, left turn collisions, intersection accidents, drunk driving crashes, fatal car accidents, and head-on collisions. Our team can help with any car accident, big or small. We provide expert legal assistance and support for all types of cases.
Our founder attorney, Greg Baumgartner, has over 35 years of experience and has been peer-reviewed preeminent for decades.
Call the Houston Car and Truck Accident Lawyers at Baumgartner Law Firm for Help!
Contact Greg Baumgartner, a highly-rated personal injury lawyer, for a free consultation. He has successfully handled truck accident cases for more than 35 years.
It is often the most difficult time after losing a loved one. Now is the time to hire the best truck accident lawyer near you to protect your family’s financial future.
Call for a free consultation at (281) 587-1111 or message us today.
6711 Cypress Creek Pkwy, Houston, TX, 77069
(281) 587-1111
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Do you make house calls or hospital visits?
What kind of cases do you accept?
We are very selective in the cases that we agree to handle to provide the best possible service to our clients. By limiting the number of cases that we accept, we can provide the time attention, and resources required to maximize compensation for our clients.
Accordingly, our practice is limited to cases involving substantial injury or a family who has lost a loved one. We have gained a reputation for handling 18-wheeler truck accidents, car and drunk driving crashes, daycare injury cases, and other serious injury and wrongful death matters. To learn more about the cases we cover, visit our practice areas page.
Do I have to pay money out of my pocket to hire you?
Do you handle all types of personal injury cases?
No, we are very selective in the cases that we agree to accept. We intentionally limit the number of cases that we handle and the practice areas for the cases we take to provide the best possible personal service for our clients. To learn more about the cases we cover, visit our practice areas page or you can contact us for individual consultation about your case. (281) 587-1111.
What is the best way to contact you?
We prefer to be contacted by telephone and also respond to our online consultation requests. You can call us 24/7 at (281) 587-1111. We offer Zoom consultations as well.
How successful have you been with your cases?
We are a personal injury law firm with over three decades of experience and are extremely proud of our winning track record of success. Our founder is nationally recognized as among the best personal injury lawyers in the USA. We are undefeated in truck accident cases, wrongful death cases, and daycare negligence and invite you to check out our results page for recent results in cases we won.
For the last 35 years, we have concentrated on maximizing our client’s compensation in serious injury and wrongful death cases. If you are looking for the best personal injury lawyers in Houston – Call us! (281) 587-1111.
Thank you
for a job well done!
"I can never express how grateful me and my family are to Greg Baumgartner and his team of truck accident lawyers in Houston. He took care of our injury case and got us a great settlement. Thank you for a job well done!"
- R. G. Client
Houston Personal Injury Victim
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"I was hit in the rear by an 18 wheeler and was lucky enough to have found Greg – I was overjoyed with the results and highly recommend him."
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Houston Personal Injury Victim