If you are injured in a car accident through no fault of your own, a Union City Personal Injury Attorney can help you file a personal injury claim. The process might seem drawn out and tedious. However, after going through it, you can finally get the compensation you deserve for your losses. You can sign a release, receive your check, and move on from the aftermath of your accident.
But, exactly how long does it take to get a settlement check from a car accident? In this article, we review the settlement release process to reveal how long you should wait to get your money.
The Settlement Process
After you receive a fair offer from the insurance company or a settlement from a court, you sign a settlement release. Next:
- The release is sent to the insurance company. The company processes the claim through their system, authorizes the release, and closes out your claim.
- The insurance company writes a settlement check and sends it to your attorney.
- Your attorney places the proceeds in a trust or escrow account. He/she then pays off any debts you might have and handles any liens asserted against your car accident settlement.
- Your attorney takes out his/her fees from your settlement checks. This could be an hourly fee or a percentage of your settlement plus other costs, depending on your agreement.
- Finally, your attorney sends you a check with the rest of your settlement amount. You might be required to sign some documents at your attorney’s law firm to receive your check.
Average Time Required for the Settlement Process
From the time the insurance company signs a release, it could take five to six weeks to receive your check. This time can vary from one case to the next. It could also be delayed by several factors. If you fail to receive your settlement check within this period, it is advisable to check with your attorney. He/she could update you on the reason for the delay.
Factors That Could Cause a Settlement Delay
There are several reasons why your check could be running late. The best way to determine the reason for a delay is to contact your attorney. Nonetheless, the reason could be one of the following:
- Your attorney has received a notice of liens asserted against your settlement
- Your attorney is confirming or settling the liens
- Your attorney is negotiating liens to get them reduced or removed
- Your attorney has not received the check because of delays with the mail or at the insurance company
- The insurance company has a lengthy internal settlement process
Schedule a Consultation with a Union City Personal Injury Attorney
Car accident claims can be complicated. They often vary from case to case, with settlements taking anywhere from a few months to several years. However, once the case is resolved, receiving your check can be relatively simple.
Have you been injured in a car accident through no fault of your own? Attorney Carbone, an expert Union City Personal Injury Attorney, can help you file a claim.
He can also help you answer the question, ‘how long does it take to get a settlement check from a car accident.’