How Long Does it Take to Receive a Settlement from a Car Accident?
A car accident takes seconds to occur, but the financial impact can last much longer. From medical bills to lost wages, the cost of a car accident mounts quickly. Instead of focusing on recovering from the accident, you may worry about how you’ll pay the mounting bills. When you first contact a Kentucky car accident lawyer, your first question might be, “How long will it take to get my settlement?” Depending on the nature and severity of the accident, it can take as little as a few weeks or as long as 18 months to receive your settlement. Here is what you can expect when you pursue a car accident settlement.
What Happens When You’re in a Minor Accident
Minor accidents like fender benders can lead to neck and back injuries from whiplash. Even if your injuries aren’t severe or life-threatening, you may want to seek compensation to cover your medical bills. Kentucky’s laws limit an accident victim’s ability to seek compensation in these situations.
In 1975, the state passed KRS 304.39, the Motor Vehicle Reparations Act. This law states that every automobile driver must purchase Personal Injury Protection Coverage. Drivers have the option of rejecting this coverage and filing a form with the state to waive the no-fault limitations. These drivers must purchase traditional auto insurance coverage.
How Personal Injury Protection Coverage Works
When you’re in a minor accident that results in less than $10,000 in medical expenses, lost wages, and other costs, you must file a claim under your PIP policy. The insurance company that holds the policy on your vehicle also is responsible for providing Basic PIP coverage. When you file a claim with PIP, you are initiating a no-fault case. In these cases, you aren’t filing a claim against the party who caused the accident.
PIP coverage may apply if you are a passenger in an accident. If you are a passenger in a vehicle that is in a minor accident, you will file a claim with the driver’s insurance coverage. Pedestrians injured in a car accident also can file a claim under the driver’s PIP policy. Payouts from your Personal Injury Protection coverage can take between one and eight weeks to arrive. A lawyer can help you pursue your car accident case, so you can receive your PIP settlement quickly.
Complex Cases and Serious Injuries
In some cases, a PIP claim is not possible. For example, if you waived PIP protection and your litigation limitations, you can file a lawsuit against the other party. An attorney who specializes in car accidents can help you pursue compensation for lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses.
If you have PIP coverage, there are instances where filing a lawsuit is appropriate. When you’re in a car accident where the medical bills exceed $1,000, you can sue the at-fault party. Kentucky law also allows accident victims to sue when a car accident results in a broken bone, permanent injury, or death.
The timeline until your Kentucky car accident settlement payout depends on the case’s complexity and whether or not it goes to trial. If the at-fault party settles out of court, you can expect your settlement check to arrive in a few months. More complex car accident cases that lead to a trial can delay your payment even longer.
Your First Steps After an Accident
Before you’re in a car accident, you should make sure you understand Kentucky’s laws. KS 189.850 details your responsibilities after an accident. After an accident, you should move your vehicle out of the road. Dial 9-1-1 to contact the police immediately. You also should provide aid to any injured parties if you can.
Contacting the police immediately after an accident is critical. This step ensures that everyone receives the medical treatment you need. The responding officer will take photos, interview witnesses, and compile the information in a report. This report is important for pursuing compensation later.
If you’re in an auto accident that you feel was caused by the negligence of another, you need to call an attorney as soon as you are able. Even if the damage to your vehicle looks minor, the car’s frame could have damage that isn’t visible. Minor injuries may lead to bills above the $1,000 threshold. ER visits and ambulance costs can tack on additional medical bills. An attorney can advise you of your next steps and legal rights.
At Golden Law Office, we’re committed to helping individuals and families in Kentucky move forward after an injury that could have been prevented entirely. Contact an experienced lawyer to help you get the settlement you deserve.
Golden Law is a local, Kentucky Law Firm, attorneys/lawyers in Fayette County, Kentucky, working in the fields of personal injury, auto accidents, car and truck wrecks; medical malpractice: doctors, hospitals & nursing homes; senior living abuse: neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, dehydration, bedsores, catastrophic injuries, and broken bones. If you are considering a lawsuit, call us at 859.469.5000 for a free consultation. We are located at 771 Corporate Dr. Suite 800/ Lexington, Kentucky 40503. We handle cases all over the Commonwealth of Kentucky. We have represented and trained people in major insurance companies & major trucking companies. We have first hand experience and know the ‘inside of the insurance business’ … that’s a distinction that no other law firm can make. We’re Your Advocate. Dale Golden, Laraclay Parker.
