If you sustained injuries in an accident, you are likely considering the possibility of filing a personal injury claim to secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Given the financial hardships, many often face in the aftermath of a severe accident, one of the biggest questions survivors have is how long it might take to achieve a settlement after sending a demand letter. Since no two cases are alike, it is impossible to provide a one-fits-all answer to this question. However, we can review the timeline and provide an estimate of what most people can expect.
How Long Does It Take To Negotiate A Settlement?
When you and your attorney send a demand letter to the at-fault party’s insurance company, there are many possible answers you can receive. They might decline your request or your letter might be altogether ignored. However, it is more likely that your letter will kick off negotiations with the insurance company. The negotiation process can take a considerable amount of time, usually several months, before a settlement is reached. However, compared to litigation, it is faster, less expensive, and considerably easier.
Generally, it is in the best interests of both parties to avoid having to go to court since litigation leaves a lot up to chance. Therefore, most personal injury lawsuits settle outside of court before a trial ever begins. The settlement you receive and the pace of negotiations will depend largely on the strength of your case. If your case lacks evidence or fault is unclear, negotiations will become more challenging and it is unlikely you will receive the results you are seeking.
The Litigation Process After Unsuccessfully Negotiating A Settlement
If you cannot reach a settlement, your case will go to litigation, which will initiate the discovery process. It is important to note that, even if your case begins the litigation process, your attorney can and will continue to negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement. The discovery process can take several months to a year, so it is not uncommon to reach a settlement before a trial ever actually begins. Such an outcome is especially common if, as you proceed with the discovery process, the strengths of your case become more apparent.
Get Help With The Settlement Negotiation Process
If you are pursuing a personal injury claim, hiring an attorney who is experienced in representing clients inside and outside of the courtroom is crucial. At the Law Offices of James A. Welcome, our attorney will negotiate on your behalf to achieve the best possible settlement for your claim and, if necessary, will fiercely represent you in court if your case goes through litigation.
Contact us today at (203) 753-7300 to arrange an initial consultation to discuss the details of your personal injury settlement negotiation. Our staff is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese, Cantonese, and Mandarin.