Settlement of a car accident injury claim in Miami and throughout Florida can take anywhere from a few months to several years. The timeline varies a lot depending on the severity of the injury, the insurance company's cooperation, and if legal action is necessary.
Most minor injury cases are settled within 3 to 6 months. These injuries usually involve bruises, cuts, or whiplash, which can be treated and recovered from quickly.
Insurance companies can assess damage and negotiate settlements with their clients.
A moderate injury case may take 6 to 18 months to settle due to the extensive medical care requirements and increased complexity of negotiations. These injuries often require physical therapy or multiple medical treatments, such as for broken bones and soft tissue injuries.
A severe injury, such as a traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or a permanent disability, can take up to three years to resolve. For these complex cases, filing a lawsuit and pursuing a lawsuit are the most common approaches to obtaining fair compensation.
The severity of injuries determines the timeline of the settlement the most. Injuries with more serious consequences require longer treatment periods to achieve maximum medical improvement (MMI). It is impossible to proceed with effective settlement negotiations until it is clear what the medical costs will be and what the long-term outlook will be.
The state of Florida places a high priority on completing medical treatment. To fully account for all damages, including future medical expenses and long-term care needs, you should wait until medical treatment is complete or stable before settling your claim.
The timing of an insurance claim can be significantly impacted by negotiations with the insurance company. Insurance companies can deliberately delay settlements by making lowball offers or repeatedly requesting additional documentation. Liability disputes can drag on when fault is contested. It may take months or even years to resolve these issues through investigations and litigation.
Filing a lawsuit generally extends the settlement timeline well beyond typical negotiation periods, as court proceedings follow specific schedules and procedural requirements. Prior to seeking additional damages from at-fault parties, Florida's no-fault system allows Personal Injury Protection to handle initial claims.
Hiring an experienced Florida lawyer like Sean M. Cleary can simplify negotiations and expedite the duration of the case. The lawyer can coordinate medical evaluations, manage documentation, and communicate with insurers to prevent delays. While dealing with insurance company tactics, an attorney can keep your case on track to resolution while protecting your interests.
Every car accident case is unique, so predicting exact timelines requires taking into account your specific circumstances. Many Florida car accident claims settle within months; however, serious injuries, liability disputes, or insurance company resistance may significantly prolong the process.
Don't let uncertainty about timing keep you from seeking compensation. Our team at The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary understands the complexities of Florida car accident claims and works hard to maximize your compensation recovery. We can help you understand what to expect, how to protect yourself, and how to keep your claim moving.