How Long Will My Car Accident Case Take?

If you were injured in a car accident in Arizona, you will likely file an insurance claim seeking compensation from the responsible driver. But how long does a car accident case take? It’s a difficult question to answer. The facts surrounding every crash are different, and nobody recovers from an injury the same way. Meanwhile, the medical bills keep piling up.

At Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC we understand you may be under significant financial stress after a car accident. Working with an experienced attorney may help you reach a speedier resolution and relieve the pressure.

Our Arizona car accident lawyers can guide you through the claim process and help you seek the settlement you deserve. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation*.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Car Accident Claim?

Many factors could affect the length of your car accident claim. An injury crash involving two vehicles will likely settle more quickly than a multi-car pileup that results in serious injuries. While a skilled attorney may be able to estimate the average time for a car accident case like yours, no formula can tell you exactly how long your specific claim will take.

Working with a lawyer may expedite the claims process and increase your chances of settling out of court. One of the challenges victims face on the path to a settlement comes from insurance companies who look for any reason to avoid making a fair payout. A proven motor vehicle accident lawyer will know what tactics to anticipate and build a case that takes those challenges into account. This may help to accelerate the negotiations process and avoid litigation, which could considerably extend the length of your case.

What Impacts the Length of a Car Accident Claim?

Some common factors that may determine the length of your car accident claim include:

• Seriousness of injuries – The severity of both your physical injuries and mental health issues resulting from the crash will play a role in the length of your claim and the amount of compensation you receive.
• Cooperation – The length of your car accident claim will also depend on how much the at-fault driver and the insurance company is willing to cooperate with the process.
• Litigation – If a settlement cannot be reached, then your attorney will take your case to court. While you want to ensure you get the fairest possible amount, filing a car accident lawsuit will certainly extend the life of your claim.
• Questions about fault – If there is a disagreement over who is at fault, your claim could take longer. In Arizona, you can recover compensation even if you are partially at fault for a car accident. However, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. You don’t want to settle for less. A car accident lawyer can be a valuable ally in getting the money you deserve.

Proving Liability in Arizona

To obtain compensation in a personal injury claim in Arizona, you must prove that someone else is liable for the accident. Proving liability is not always straightforward. To prove that the other driver was at fault, you will need to establish that:

• The at-fault driver had a duty of care to protect other motorists on the road.
• The driver breached that duty through negligence. Negligence may include distracted driving, drunk driving, drowsy driving, speeding, tailgating, and more.
• The driver’s negligence led directly to your injuries.
• Those injuries, or damages, can be accounted for with an award of compensation.

Examples of evidence that could support your case include:

• Police accident report
• Medical records
• Photos and videos of the crash scene
• Witness statements
• Testimony from expert witnesses
• Documentation of your crash-related losses and expenses

Compensation in an Arizona Car Accident Case

Compensation after a car accident in Arizona may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Lost earning potential
• Vehicle damage
• Pain and suffering
• Lost enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages, if deemed appropriate

Pursuing a claim for compensation is not easy. The insurance company will do everything in its power to reduce your claim or may even try to find an excuse to deny it. The best thing you can do for yourself is to consult with an experienced Arizona car accident attorney right away.

Get a Free Consultation* With Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC

At Brown & Hobkirk, PLLC our team of attorneys has the knowledge and skills needed to subvert the insurance company’s tactics and fight for the settlement you deserve. If we cannot reach a fair settlement with the insurer, you can count on us to stand up for your rights in court.

Our law firm has the resources to take the burden of the claims process off your shoulders. We will independently investigate the accident, collect evidence to support your claim, determine liability, calculate your losses, and aggressively seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a consultation.