How Long Does it Take to Settle a Car Crash Claim in Illinois?

People dealing with the aftermath of a recent car accident often have major medical bills to address. They may also face an uncertain financial future, and they may not be able to work for months. Some injured people may not be able to return to their prior careers and could face lower earning potential, while others may never work again.

An insurance claim seeking compensation for collision expenses can help people cover those losses and property damage expenses generated by the accident. What is the typical timeline for a car accident claim?

The biggest factor

Usually, the biggest factor in how long it takes a case to resolve is a client’s diagnosis and medical treatment. In Illinois, an injury victim is entitled to all damages caused by the incident – past and future. The medical diagnoses and treatment either have to be completed or reach a critical stage where the injuries caused by the incident are fully known and a prognosis (what those injuries will look like in the future) can be made with reasonable certainty. Trying to settle a case before knowing whether someone’s injuries are permanent or will likely need a surgery in the future would be a huge mistake for our clients and would be an absolute gift for the insurance company. This mistake could deprive a client of hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars that they would be entitled to. Doing it right and being thorough is often the difference between full justice and discount justice.

Some claims settle within weeks

Insurance companies in Illinois are subject to strict regulations. They generally need to provide paperwork to those filing claims within days of their initial communication with the company. The insurance company then needs to adhere to specific timelines regarding claims processing and investigation. Most people can complete a car insurance claim within a month or two of a crash. However, complicating factors can substantially extend the timeline for an accident claim.

What complications might arise?

There are numerous factors that can complicate a request for insurance coverage after a  accident. Questions about liability and fault often lengthen the investigation process, especially if there are more than two vehicles involved. Other times, there could be complications related to secondary concerns, such as the overlap between workers’ compensation coverage and car insurance in a case where the person hurt was technically on the clock.

Disputes about treatment plans, projected long-term income losses and other details about car accident consequences can also lead to a longer timeline for an insurance claim. Negotiations to secure a reasonable settlement can also increase the claims timeline.

Injured people often need support

The frustrating reality for those hoping to receive insurance compensation after a crash is that companies often delay settling claims, especially when the losses are significant. The people most in need of financial relief often face the most resistance from insurance companies.

Legal representation can be an invaluable form of support for those injured in car accident. An attorney can review policy paperwork. They can also recognize when an insurance company may have violated state statutes by delaying a claim resolution or denying requests for reasonable compensation. Working with a legal professional can help people feel confident about getting the compensation they need eventually and may even speed up the claims process.

Insurance providers may be less inclined to fight aggressively when they know that a party filing a claim has legal support. Reviewing the circumstances of a serious car accident with a personal injury attorney, therefore, can help injured collision survivors navigate compensation claims and recognize when a lawsuit might actually be necessary.