Car accidents are surprisingly common in the US, with 1.38 million people injured in crashes during 2022, costing $481.2 billion. Even a minor accident can create headaches when it comes to dealing with insurance companies. There are 1.7 million so-called fender benders each year. These involve getting your car repaired and handling any minor injuries. For more serious accidents involving major damage or injuries like whiplash and broken bones, the legal process can become lengthy and complex. Here’s an overview of the typical timeline after a car accident.
At The Scene
● The police will arrive and investigate the accident, taking statements from drivers and witnesses and documenting the vehicle damage. This can take 30 minutes to over an hour depending on the severity of the accident.
● EMS may arrive to provide medical treatment to anyone injured.
● Drivers will exchange insurance and contact information. Get the other driver’s name, address, phone number, license plate, driver’s license number, and insurance details.
● Document the accident scene with photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, road conditions, etc.
● File a police report – this is essential for insurance claims and possible lawsuits. Get a copy of the police report.
Insurance Claims
● Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to start a claim. Provide details of the accident and the other driver’s insurance information. This starts the claims process.
● Insurance adjusters investigate the accident to determine fault and process payments for vehicle repairs and medical bills. This can take weeks or months depending on claim complexity.
● Negotiate and settle with the insurance company. This may require multiple conversations over several weeks or months. Have repair estimates, medical bills, and lost wage documentation ready.
● If the insurance company denies your claim or makes an unsatisfactory offer, consider consulting an attorney regarding legal action.
Legal Action
Ben Hancock, an experienced Macon injury lawyer, shares his expertise on handling car accidents in Macon, explaining, “If injuries or vehicle damage exceed insurance payouts, the not-at-fault driver may pursue legal action and file a car accident lawsuit against the at-fault driver. An attorney will investigate the case, estimate damages, file paperwork, issue demand letters to insurance companies, and begin settlement negotiations. This can take 2-6 months.”
If negotiations fail, the lawsuit proceeds to trial. It can take 6 months to 2+ years for a personal injury case to reach a trial depending on court backlogs. The trial itself may last days or weeks depending on case complexity. For example, if a case involves a serious traumatic brain injury or wrongful death, it will take longer than a more minor case involving whiplash. Then the judge or jury will issue a verdict and award damages if warranted.
After a verdict, insurance companies may appeal. Appeals processes add more months or years to the timeline. After appeals conclude, insurance companies must pay damages awarded by the court. This can still take weeks or months.
The total timeline – from accident to receiving compensation – can range from several months for minor claims to 5+ years for major lawsuits that go to trial and appeal. Consulting an attorney helps navigate each step efficiently. Patience is key, as legal processes rarely move quickly.
Disclaimer:
CBD:
Qrius does not provide medical advice.
The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act) outlaws the recreational use of cannabis products in India. CBD oil, manufactured under a license issued by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, can be legally used in India for medicinal purposes only with a prescription, subject to specific conditions. Kindly refer to the legalities here.
The information on this website is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
Gambling:
As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman, and Sikkim, prohibit gambling. Land-based casinos are legalized in Goa and Daman under the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976. In Sikkim, land-based casinos, online gambling, and e-gaming (games of chance) are legalized under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009. Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries, subject to state laws. Refer to the legalities here. Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in licensed premises in select states. Refer to the 1996 Supreme Court judgment for more information.
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