The time it takes to settle a pedestrian accident varies based on the facts surrounding the crash, but in many cases, attorneys can resolve negotiations in a few months. The extent of the injuries you sustain and the amount of evidence available after the crash can affect how long it takes to settle.
A Long Island pedestrian accident lawyer can provide an estimate of the time it will take to negotiate your claim. A lawyer can also track your losses and handle all legal matters on your behalf.
How Long do Pedestrian Accident Settlement Negotiations Take?
Settlement negotiations with the insurance company may take several months after a pedestrian crash. The exact time varies on a case-by-case basis. In some cases, negotiations may take significantly longer to resolve.
Several factors can impact how long it takes to settle a pedestrian accident, including the severity of your losses, the types of injuries you sustain, and the evidence a lawyer can find to prove fault in your claim.
Can You Reduce the Time it Takes to Settle?
You can take several steps that could reduce the time you have to wait to settle with the insurance company. For example, you can:
- Taking pictures of your injuries and the vehicle that hit you
- Getting contact information from all eyewitnesses
- Reporting the pedestrian accident to the police
- Writing down everything that happened
All of the above steps can generate evidence that can strengthen your pedestrian accident claim and reduce settlement time.
Additionally, you can hire a Long Island personal injury lawyer to secure professional help expediting the legal process. Attorneys know how to counter stall tactics used by the insurance company that can drag out the settlement process.
Your lawyer can also give you more information about how long it takes to settle a pedestrian accident and answer any other legal questions you have after sustaining an injury.
Can You Just Take the First Settlement Offer?
In many cases, lawyers advise waiting to settle until you understand the total costs of your medical treatment. Therefore, your attorney may strongly advise against accepting the first settlement offer, even if that would reduce the time it takes to settle.
The insurance company’s initial settlement will likely fail to cover all your losses, so it’s essential that you allow your attorney to go through the negotiation process.
How Long do You Have to Seek Compensation for a Pedestrian Accident?
You need to file a claim for compensation before the statute of limitations for personal injury claims expires in New York. Generally, New York gives you three years to seek damages after a pedestrian accident.
In some cases, you may have less time to move forward with your case. Fortunately, a lawyer can review your circumstances and provide information about the specific deadlines for your claim.
Do You Have to Settle After a Pedestrian Accident?
You may not have to settle with the insurance company after a pedestrian crash, depending on the severity of your injuries. Instead, your attorney may advise you to file a personal injury lawsuit against the liable party. A lawsuit allows you to secure compensation through the court system.
Generally, lawsuits take longer to resolve than insurance settlement negotiations. Your lawsuit could take a year or more to wrap up. Additionally, filing a lawsuit could result in court fees.
Due to these factors, a lawyer may focus on settling your claim before suggesting a lawsuit. You can discuss all options available to you by reaching out to a local law firm for help.
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What Happens After You Settle a Pedestrian Crash Claim?
You may secure compensation to cover your losses if you settle with the insurance company after a pedestrian accident. For example, a settlement offer may provide you with money to pay for your:
- Current and long-term medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning potential
- Pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish
The exact funds available will depend on the losses that you sustain. Your lawyer can track all of your expenses and include them in your settlement claim. You may also get compensation through a lawsuit in some cases.
You will only have to pay your attorney for legal fees after settling or otherwise resolving your pedestrian accident claim because law firms generally handle these cases using a contingency fee system.
How Much Compensation Can You Get Through a Settlement?
The funds available to you after a pedestrian crash will depend on the losses caused by your collision. It’s essential that you track all of your losses to improve your chances of getting appropriate compensation.
Talk to Us About Your Pedestrian Accident Claim
How long does it take to settle a pedestrian accident claim? In many cases, lawyers take several months to settle a personal injury case after a pedestrian crash. Our team at Levine And Wiss can immediately step in to begin the settlement process.
We have over a century of experience that we can turn to handling your claim. You can learn more about us today. Once you’re ready to begin the legal process, you can call or fill out our online contact form.
