If you’ve been injured in a crash, waiting for a settlement can feel just as stressful as the accident itself. Many people find themselves asking, “Why is my car accident settlement taking so long in San Bernardino?” Claim delays stem from various reasons, which include legitimate causes and others that simply cause frustration.
Whether you are fighting over liability, insurance companies are taking their time, or the medical treatment process is dragging, there are a number of things that can create a delay. Sometimes, the delay is even in your favor. For example, perhaps you’re still undergoing medical treatment, and there is a determination to be made about the full extent of your injuries.
Understanding what may be happening behind the scenes helps when you feel like everything is at a standstill with no obvious explanation.
Disputes Over Who Was at Fault
Arguing about who is responsible for a car accident is one of the most common reasons that a settlement will take a long time. Insurance companies may withhold payment if they want more time to review evidence, talk to witnesses, or examine the police report. Delays may also occur if multiple drivers were involved in the accident or if liability is shared.
In San Bernardino, where intersections and traffic congestion are common causes of car accidents, it is important to prove fault clearly and convincingly for your case to progress.
Ongoing Medical Treatment and Unfinished Evaluations
Insurance companies often delay a settlement until your medical treatment is over or your condition has stabilized. As long as you are receiving medical treatment, the full cost of your injuries cannot be known.
If your condition were to change or you were to require future care, settling the claim early could leave you with inadequate compensation. While such delays can be very frustrating, they could be the result of a conscientious effort to fully understand the long-term consequences of your injuries.
Insurance Company Tactics and Delays
Sometimes, insurance companies intentionally use delay tactics. If they take weeks to answer your communications, request redundant documents, or lowball you, hoping that you will settle in frustration, they are engaging in a negotiating ploy. Negotiators often employ stalling tactics when expensive medical bills or serious injuries are involved.
The complexity of San Bernardino accident cases allows insurers to use delays, which prolong the resolution time of your case. Thorough preparation of documents and consistent determination can generally prevent unnecessary delays.
Legal or Procedural Complexities
Settlement delays can also be caused by legal or procedural issues. For instance, if government vehicles are involved, they have different rules and timelines. Other cases may require expert witnesses, further investigation, or even court filings if negotiations break down.
Missing paperwork or incomplete documentation can also lead to delays. San Bernardino’s multiple jurisdictions can also play a part. If your case is complicated, these factors can add time to your case.
Why Hire a Car Accident Lawyer From Easton & Easton?
Named as the Best Personal Injury Law Firm in Orange County by the LA Times Reader’s Choice Poll every year since 2018, Easton & Easton has an impeccable reputation as the premier personal injury firm in Southern California. Our team is ready to help you with your car accident claim.
If you have been injured in a car accident in San Bernardino, and you decide to file a civil suit, your personal injury or vehicle collision claim will probably be heard in San Bernardino Superior Court: Civil Division, 247 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0210. The San Bernardino courthouse processes personal injury and vehicle collision litigation within the county. Our San Bernardino car accident attorney ensures your civil claim complies with court rules.
FAQs
Q: How Long Does a Typical Car Accident Settlement Take?
A: The length of time it takes to settle a car accident case can differ significantly. It’s heavily dependent on the case’s complexity, the duration of medical treatment, the responsiveness of the insurance company, and whether legal action is required. More serious or contested cases may take longer, particularly if negotiations reach an impasse or if litigation is needed to secure a fair resolution.
Q: Can I Settle My Car Accident Case Before Finishing Medical Treatment?
A: You may settle your case prior to completing treatment, but settling early is risky. A settlement offer made before your injuries are fully evaluated may not adequately compensate you for future medical treatment, rehabilitation, or late-arising complications.
It’s better to wait until your injuries have stabilized and been comprehensively assessed so that your claim will fully account for the accident’s long-term effects. Completing medical treatment can help you avoid underestimating the severity of your injuries.
Q: Do Insurance Companies Delay Car Accident Claims on Purpose?
A: Yes, insurance companies can stall a car accident claim. Insurance companies can deliberately delay car accident claims as a common business practice. The insurance company may attempt to prolong a high-dollar claim to pressure the claimant into accepting a lowball settlement offer or abandoning the claim altogether.
Some common stalling tactics include making frequent, time-wasting requests for unnecessary documentation and long periods of silence. An attorney’s involvement should protect against delays in your case.
Q: What Can I Do to Help Speed Up My Car Accident Settlement?
A: If you’re looking to speed up the car accident settlement process, make sure to keep detailed records, follow through with medical treatment, and respond quickly to requests for documents. Organizing yourself and taking initiative can lead to better outcomes. Hiring a lawyer can also help minimize delays, as they will know how to stand up for you and push back on any stalling tactics.
Q: Can I Still Receive a Car Accident Settlement If I Was Partially at Fault?
A: You may still be entitled to a settlement if you were partially at fault for the accident due to California’s comparative fault laws. Your award would simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. A final award would be reduced by 30% if you are found 30% responsible. You are still able to seek damages for medical bills, lost income, and other losses resulting from the accident, even if the fault is shared.
Contact Easton & Easton
Settlements can take a long time in a car accident case, which can be frustrating. However, the timeline is often a reflection of the complexity of the case and the time taken to ensure you get fair compensation.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 39,345 people died in the United States in traffic crashes in 2024. This highlights the frequency of these types of accidents and why you need an attorney who is well-versed in seeking justice. Easton & Easton understands the stress you face during this process, and we are committed to providing the help you need as quickly as possible.
If you have a car accident claim that seems like it isn’t going anywhere or is too much for you to handle, our team of experienced professionals is here to jump in, protect your rights, and move your case forward. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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