Suffering a severe injury due to another driver’s negligent or reckless behavior can be devastating. Not only must you seek medical treatment and focus on your physical recovery, but you may worry about the costly medical bills, lost wages, and other unforeseen financial impacts triggered by the accident. Most car or trucking accident victims in Washington State want to get their hands on the compensation they’re owed as quickly as possible, as the economic stress can make the path to recovery even more difficult. However, there is no clear one-size-fits-all answer that allows you to pinpoint the exact date when you will receive the compensation you need to move forward. Below is a brief overview of the personal injury claims process and some of the factors that affect the timeline for recovering compensation following an accident in Southwest Washington.
Understanding Comparative Negligence in Washington
Like many states, Washington adheres to a pure comparative negligence model to determine how much compensation injured victims may recover after an accident. The state recognizes that an accident often involves more than one at-fault party, although there are cases in which one party holds the majority of responsibility for causing the collision. Injured victims may pursue compensation to help cover the unanticipated medical costs, lost wages, and other expenses stemming from the accident, but their award will be reduced in proportion to their share of negligence. For example, if the court determines that your claim is worth $200,000, but you were 20 percent responsible for the collision, your award would be reduced accordingly, allowing you to walk away with $160,000. Determining fault is usually one of the most time-consuming aspects of a personal injury case.
Factors That Impact the Accident Settlement Timeline
If you’ve suffered an injury at the hands of another party, it’s understandable that you would like to recover the compensation you’re owed as quickly as possible. However, several factors influence the accident settlement timeline. Depending on the presence or absence of the below factors, your claim may move forward smoothly or encounter significant delays.
Severe Injuries Usually Require More Time to Settle
In general, more complex injuries require costly and intensive medical treatment. If your injuries require surgery or other major medical procedures, it’s in your best interest to wait until you’ve undergone the recommended treatments to gain a clearer picture of how long your recovery may take. As you and your attorney assess your claim, you’ll need to estimate your current and future expenses. More extensive injuries involve more comprehensive calculations, as there are several more unknowns than in cases with more straightforward injuries.
Insurance Companies Process Claims Differently
There is no set protocol for how an insurance company should investigate and process an injury claim. As a result, each insurance company handles accident claims according to its internal rules and procedures. While some insurance companies tend to settle claims more quickly, others take considerably more time to process a request. The staff and insurance adjusters employed at one insurance company may be compelled to take additional steps and follow specific requirements that those at a rival insurance company may not. A recent 2022 analysis rated State Farm as the best car insurance for drivers who have been in an accident. Other carriers like GEICO, Travelers, and American Family also rated highly for customer service and efficient processing of claims.
The Complexity of the Investigation Process
When you file a claim with an auto insurance company, it will assign an insurance adjuster to oversee your case. The adjuster will examine the circumstances surrounding the accident to understand the factors that led to the injuries. Typically, more straightforward incidents (i.e., a car rear-ending another car at a red light) do not require extensive investigations. However, accidents involving multiple parties, severe injuries, and conflicting reports often necessitate a more comprehensive (and lengthy) investigation.
Navigating the Initial Settlement Offer
Most accident victims want to secure compensation as soon as possible. Unfortunately, insurance companies use this eagerness to their advantage, making an initial lowball settlement offer in the hopes that you will accept it without question. Of course, while accepting this initial offer will settle the case more quickly, doing so may deprive you of the opportunity to recover a more equitable and favorable settlement. If possible, work with your attorney to push for a better settlement offer. It can take a bit more time, but most insurance companies are willing to work with you to minimize the potential for litigation.
Working at Your Side to Support Your Recovery
Navigating the aftermath of an accident injury can be overwhelming and isolating. However, when you enlist the support of a trusted and compassionate Vancouver personal injury lawyer, you can breathe easier knowing that your best interests will remain a top priority. Let your attorney advocate for a fair and favorable settlement while you continue to focus on what matters most—your recovery.
If you need help recovering compensation after an accident in Vancouver or Portland, call Henderson Taylor Law Firm at (360) 737-1478 to speak with a trusted and compassionate personal injury attorney.
