If you have been injured in a car accident in Kennesaw, Georgia, one of your first concerns may be how long it will take to settle your case. There is no universal timeline for car accident settlements, but certain factors tend to influence the process.
Understanding these can help you set realistic expectations and make informed decisions as you move forward. A car accident lawyer at Starks Byron, P.C. can help. Contact us today for a free consultation at (404) 795-5115.
How Starks Byron, P.C. Can Help After a Car Accident in Kennesaw, GA
Having an experienced lawyer on your side after a car accident can improve your chances of getting fair compensation. At Starks Byron, P.C., our team brings over 30 years of combined experience helping injured people in Kennesaw and across Georgia. Since opening, we have secured millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
Our team handles every aspect of the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery. We investigate the accident, gather evidence, identify who was at fault, and calculate the full extent of your damages. Whether dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or future care needs, we fight to make sure you are not left paying the price for someone else’s mistake.
Contact our Kennesaw personal injury lawyers for a free consultation.
Key Factors That Influence the Timeline of a Car Accident Settlement
Several important factors will determine how long it takes to resolve your car accident case. Some cases may settle quickly, while others can take much longer, depending on the details and challenges involved.
Factors that may influence the timeline for a car accident settlement include:
1. The Severity of Your Injuries
More serious injuries often require a longer recovery period, which can delay settlement discussions and negotiations. It is usually in your best interest to wait until your doctors understand your long-term prognosis before agreeing to any settlement offer. This can help you better understand your future medical expenses and potential complications so you can request full compensation.
2. Disputes Over Liability
Establishing who was at fault in the accident can significantly affect how long it takes to reach a resolution. If liability is clear, settlement negotiations may proceed more quickly. However, if disputes arise about who caused the crash or if multiple parties share fault, this can lead to lengthy investigations, negotiations, and potentially litigation.
Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning your compensation could be reduced if you are found partially at fault.
3. Insurance Company Tactics
Insurance companies are involved in settling many car accident cases. Their approach to your claim can expedite or delay the settlement process. Some insurers are more willing to negotiate in good faith and resolve claims efficiently, while others may employ delay tactics, make lowball offers, or require extensive documentation before making a fair offer. These actions can add months to the timeline.
4. The Complexity of Your Case
Cases involving straightforward facts and limited damages often settle faster than those involving complex circumstances. If your case includes multiple vehicles, commercial defendants, or governmental entities, it may take longer to resolve.
Additional factors, such as product defects or road design issues, can further complicate the process, as additional investigation may be required.
5. The Litigation Process
You may need to file a lawsuit before the two-year statute of limitations if a fair settlement cannot be reached. Once a case enters litigation, the timeline becomes subject to court schedules, discovery periods, depositions, motions, and potentially trial dates. It is not unusual for litigation to take a year or more in Georgia, especially if appeals become necessary.
6. Medical Documentation and Expert Opinions
The time it takes to gather medical records, expert opinions, and other supporting evidence can also influence how quickly your case moves forward. Detailed documentation is essential to establish the extent of your economic and non-economic damages, especially when future medical care or lost earning capacity is at issue.
7. Your Willingness to Settle
Your own expectations and goals will also impact the timeline. If you are willing to accept a settlement offer promptly, the case may be resolved more quickly. However, holding out for a full and fair settlement that adequately reflects your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages may extend the process.
General Timeframes
While each case is different, the following are general estimates for how long a car accident case might take to settle in Kennesaw:
- Simple claims with clear liability and minor injuries: a few months to one year
- Moderate claims with ongoing treatment or minor liability disputes: six months to eighteen months
- Complex claims involving serious injuries or litigation: one to three years or more
A lawyer can help you evaluate the timeline that might apply to your case.
Contact a Kennesaw Car Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
There is no fixed timeline for settling a car accident case in Kennesaw, Georgia. The process depends on numerous factors, including the severity of your injuries, disputes over liability, the insurance company’s conduct, and whether litigation becomes necessary.
Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help ensure that you pursue full compensation without unnecessary delays. Contact Starks Byron, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation with a Kennesaw car accident attorney.
