What is the average time to settle a car accident lawsuit in TX?

What’s the Timeline for a Texas Car Accident Settlement?

Car accidents can be a traumatic experience, and dealing with the aftermath can be stressful and time-consuming.

One of the most common questions we get from personal injury clients at Varghese Summersett is, “What’s the average time to settle a car accident lawsuit?”

If you are wondering how long your Texas car accident settlement case will take to settle, you’re not alone. Multiple factors contribute to the timeline of a case, and understanding these factors can help you better manage your expectations.

At Varghese Summersett, we keep our clients informed. From our first meeting, we will let you know what to expect with every aspect of your case. Call us today.

In this post, we’ll explain the personal injury case process, how long it could take to resolve, dealing with insurance companies, and how we can help you receive the compensation you deserve.

Car Wreck Settlement Timeline

The timeline for settling a Fort Worth car accident settlement case can vary depending on several factors. Generally, reaching a settlement takes a few months to a few years.

On average, a car accident case in Fort Worth takes about 12 to 18 months to settle. Remember that this is only an estimate and that each case is unique, with its timeline influenced by various factors.

What Are the Stages of Fort Worth Car Accident Settlement Cases?

Investigation and evidence gathering – This stage includes gathering police reports, medical records, and other relevant evidence to support your claim.

Filing a claim – Our attorney will file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company and provide them with the necessary documentation to support your case.

Negotiations – Both parties will engage in negotiations to reach a fair settlement. Your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit if an agreement cannot be reached.

Litigation and trial (if necessary) – If a settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, your case may proceed to trial. The litigation process can be lengthy and may extend the overall timeline of your case.

What Factors Affect a Fort Worth Car Accident Settlement Timeline?

The complexity of the case – Cases with straightforward facts and liability may settle more quickly than those involving complex legal issues or multiple parties.

The severity of injuries – Cases involving severe or catastrophic injuries may require extensive medical treatment, which can prolong the settlement process as you and your attorney wait for a clearer understanding of the long-term effects of your injuries.

Amount of damages – Higher amounts of damages, such as lost wages and medical expenses, can lead to more extended negotiations and potentially delay the settlement.

Negotiations with insurance companies – The negotiation process with insurance adjusters can be lengthy, especially if they are disputing liability or the value of your claim.

How Can I Speed Up My Fort Worth Car Accident Settlement Case?

Consulting with a Varghese Summrsett personal injury attorney for advice specific to your situation will give you a better understanding of a settlement timeline. Our Fort Worth car accident settlement lawyer will explain the factors that could speed up your case. Here are some steps to consider:

Seek medical treatment promptly: Immediately after the accident, get a medical evaluation and follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations. This will help document your injuries and establish a clear connection between the accident and your injuries.

Gather evidence: Collect as much evidence as possible related to the accident, such as photographs of the scene, vehicle damage, and any visible injuries. Obtain a copy of the police report, and gather contact information for witnesses. Varghese Summersett’s Fort Worth car accident settlement lawyer will help you gather all relevant evidence for your case.

Notify the insurance company: Report the accident to your insurance company and the at-fault party’s insurer as soon as possible. Be cautious about giving recorded statements or accepting early settlement offers without consulting an attorney.

Organize documentation: Keep all your medical bills, records, and receipts related to the accident well-organized. Maintain a record of any lost wages or other expenses resulting from the accident. Our personal injury attorney will help you collect and maintain these documents.

Retain a personal injury attorney: Our skilled attorneys are deeply experienced in handling Fort Worth car accident settlements. We can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries.

Be realistic about the settlement: Clearly understand your claim’s value and be prepared to negotiate. Unreasonable demands can slow down the process.

Respond promptly: Be responsive to our attorney’s requests for information and cooperate with the insurance adjuster. Timely communication can help avoid unnecessary delays.

Be open to mediation or alternative dispute resolution: If negotiations reach an impasse, consider alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation or arbitration, to settle without going to trial.

Each case is unique, and the time it takes to settle can vary. It is essential to balance the desire for a speedy resolution with the need to obtain a fair settlement that fully compensates you for your injuries and damages. Consult with our personal injury attorney to protect your best interests throughout the process.

Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Dealing with insurance adjusters can be challenging. They often employ tactics to minimize the value of your claim. Our skilled Fort Worth car accident lawyer will help you navigate these negotiations, ensuring you receive a fair settlement for your injuries.

average time to settle a car accident

Texas Personal Injury Laws

It’s essential to be aware of the Texas personal injury laws that may impact your case, including:

Statute of limitations – You generally have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. Failing to file within this time frame could result in losing your right to seek compensation.

Comparative negligence – Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

Understanding these laws can help you better prepare for your case and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What Are the Exceptions to Texas’ Two-Year Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases?

Texas’ two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases generally means that a person must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of the injury. However, there are several exceptions to this rule:

Discovery rule: If the injured person could not have reasonably discovered the injury or its cause within two years, the statute of limitations may be extended. The clock will run once the injury is discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence.

Legal disability: If the injured person is under 18 years old, of unsound mind, or serving in the military during a time of war, the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until the disability is removed. For minors, the clock starts running on their 18th birthday.

Fraudulent concealment: If the defendant intentionally concealed their wrongdoing, the statute of limitations may be tolled until the injured person discovers or should have discovered the fraud.

Governmental entities: If the claim is against a governmental entity, specific notice requirements, and shorter deadlines may apply. For example, claims against cities must be filed within six months, and claims against the state or a county must be filed within one year.

Medical malpractice involving minors: In cases of medical malpractice involving a child under 12 years old, the lawsuit must be filed before the child’s 14th birthday.

Asbestos or silica exposure: In cases of asbestos or silica exposure, a separate statute of limitations applies, which is two years from the date the claimant knew or should have known of the asbestos-related injury or disease.

These exceptions may be subject to change or interpretation by the courts, and other exceptions may exist. Consult a Varghese Summersett personal injury attorney for a detailed understanding of how the statute of limitations may apply to your case.

Hiring Our Fort Worth Car Accident Attorney

Hiring one of our experienced Fort Worth car accident attorneys can help expedite the settlement process. Our team of dedicated attorneys at Varghese Summersett understands the complexities of car accident cases and will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve. To discuss your case and schedule a complimentary consultation, call us today at 817-207-4878 or contact us online.

FAQ: How Long Does a Fort Worth Car Accident Settlement Take?

On average, a car accident case in Fort Worth may take around 12 to 18 months to settle. However, this is only an estimate, and each case is unique.

Factors that can affect the timeline include the complexity of the case, severity of injuries, amount of damages, and negotiations with insurance companies.

The main stages include investigation and evidence gathering, filing a claim, negotiations, and litigation and trial (if necessary).

An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complexities of car accident cases, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and ensure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries.

In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

ou can call Varghese Summersett today at 817-207-4878 or contact them online at https://versusinjury.com/contact-us/.

Our skilled Fort Worth car accident lawyer can help you negotiate with insurance adjusters, ensuring you receive a fair settlement for your injuries.

fort worth car accident settlement timeline

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About the Author

Benson Varghese Benson Varghese is the managing partner of Varghese Summersett. He is a seasoned trial attorney, highly esteemed for his comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the field. He has been to trial throughout state and federal courts in Texas. 

As a former insurance adjuster himself, Benson has insights into how insurance companies evaluate claims – and why without the proper encouragement, they are likely to undervalue a claim. Benson uses these insights combined with his clout in the courtroom to obtain justice for his clients – in and outside of the courtroom.

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