How Long Does an Auto Accident Settlement Take in Virginia?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, obtaining a fair settlement that adequately covers your physical, financial, and emotional losses is the goal. Every car accident claim is specific to the circumstances involved, and how long your claim takes to settle will depend on how long it takes to reach a favorable agreement with the involved insurance company. 

Because obtaining the compensation you deserve is important to your future, working closely with a Richmond car accident attorney from the start is always to your advantage.  

The Timeline for Settling Car Accident Claims

The timeline for settling car accident claims can vary considerably from person to person, depending on the complexities involved and how cooperative the insurance company is. To begin, you’ll need to establish the other driver’s negligence as well as the full extent of your related losses. From here, you’ll enter into negotiations with the insurance company handling your claim, which can be a very involved process. Once you reach a settlement and it’s signed, it can take another week or two to receive your compensation.

Establishing Liability 

During the investigative portion of the settlement process, your determined car accident lawyer will spare no effort in proving that the other driver’s negligence was the direct cause of the accident that left you injured. Common forms of driver negligence that are often the core cause of dangerous car, truck, and motorcycle accidents include the following:

• Distraction
• Fatigue
• Excess speed
• Impairment
• Aggression
• Failure to follow all traffic signs, signals, and warnings

Proving another driver’s negligence is generally accomplished through evidence like the following:

• Eyewitness testimony
• The police report – along with any tickets that are issued
• Physical evidence, such as the positioning of and damage done to the involved vehicles, as well as any skid marks or paint transfer from one vehicle to the other
• Professional accident reconstruction models
• Expert witness testimony
• Photos and videos captured by dashcams, security or traffic cameras, and bystanders 

Proving Your Losses 

In order to move your car accident claim effectively and efficiently forward, you’ll need to succinctly demonstrate the full extent of your losses. 

This includes the property damage to your vehicle and any of its contents. Additionally, you’ll need to address your medical expenses, which may be ongoing and may include future medical requirements. There is also the matter of your lost wages to establish, and if your earning potential is affected, this category of loss can be even more serious. Finally, your physical and emotional pain and suffering in the aftermath of a car accident can be immense and could exceed your other losses combined. 

Ensuring your case settles for enough to cover each category of loss is a key concern that requires careful attention. 

How Long Does an Auto Accident Settlement Take in Virginia?

To settle your case in a manner that supports your rights, you’ll need to prove the other driver’s negligence and the scope of your losses. From here, you’ll need to engage in productive negotiations with the insurance company. While the insurance company may engage in stalling practices and is motivated to keep your settlement as low as possible, your practiced car accident lawyer has the legal skill and insight to resolve the matter as fairly and efficiently as possible.

Consult with an Experienced Virginia Car Accident Attorney Today 

The seasoned Virginia car accident lawyers at Geoff McDonald & Associates have impressive experience helping valued clients recover from their complete losses in a timely manner, and we’re here for you, too. Learn more by contacting us online or calling us at 804-888-8888 today.